This evening, as we were walking back from across the bridge, two of my students and I had a humorous conversation.
Me: “Some people in Yizhou walk really slowly!”
Them (Melinda and Emma): “They are trying to save money.”
*Pause*
Me: “How does that save money?”
Them: “If they walk slowly, they won’t wear their shoes out quickly. This way they won’t have to buy new shoes soon.”
Me: “Oh goodness.”
Happy Dragon Boat Festival, everyone!
Comment by marilyn zorn
June 20, 2007 @ 7:12 am
Hi Megan– I started a note to you but had to stop it before I could complete my thoughts. I had just read your assessment of your first year of teaching in Yizhou and thought you were somewhat discouraged by the responses of students and the sense that you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do with them. I’m a retired teacher and think of myself as having been in the main a successful one. But I seldom ever finished a year of teaching feeling completely satisfied with student accomplishment or my own performance. One just can’t know how you are affecting your students– it’s a mystery and reflects the human mysteries of relationship. All you can do is trust that something you have done or said is going to make a difference in their lives. I can’t think your year has been anything but positive for your students or for you– incredibly enriching for you all. Have you read Gilead by Marilynne Robinson? If you haven’t, I will send you a copy. Shalom — Marilyn Zorn
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