Fall Break in Yunnan

… was 3-4 weeks ago, before Harbin’s first snowfall, Obama’s reelection, and Halloween, but that doesn’t make it any less important! Also, I know some of you are eager for pictures of one Miss FD and her surroundings. First of all, let me begin by saying that going to see her was no easy task, although everything ended up going rather smoothly. FD is teaching in a small countryside village in southwestern Yunnan, China’s southwestern-most province, so coming down from China’s most northeastern province naturally takes a bit of time, or more specifically: one airplane, two buses and one car ride, with random taxi’s and shuttles in between. I spent 3-4 days of break in transit, but it was worth it to see an old friend and learn more about a different part of China.

To put it briefly, this small Yunnan village is very beautiful and extremely poor. Students don’t have access to computers, and not even teachers can be guaranteed electricity on a daily basis. Many students’ parents are illiterate and the dropout rate here is still quite high, though class sizes are still much larger than middle schools in the states (50-70 students). The village itself does not have a high school; successful students board in a nearby city if they are competent enough to continue their education. FD is facing all of these challenges with energy and enthusiasm!!!!!!!! Much love <3

During my time with FD, I attended many of her English classes, sitting in the back row or up in front of the class, trying my best to act as a good role model (since my presence alone drew a lot of attention, being the second foreigner to visit the village). During the last 10 minutes of class, FD gave her students the opportunity to ask me questions. They were all adorable. The elementary schoolers asked me what my favorite color and animal were, while the middle schoolers asked me if I had a boyfriend and if I had ever been to an NBA game.

I also got the opportunity to spend an entire day shadowing one class of students to get a better idea of their lifestyle. It was a long day. Aside from their normal classes which run from 8-6, they also have one morning and two evening “study hall” periods, which can also double as normal classes. They don’t really have recess aside from 10 minute breaks between classes, which are often spent prepping for the next class, and a short mid-day break which they usually spend napping.

I became particularly close to one delightfully inquisitive student in the class I shadowed, WFQ. At every break she would come over and chat with me, ask me questions and try to persuade me to sing her a song. She eventually succeeded and we ended up singing Adele’s Rolling in the Deep in the teacher’s office during breaks. After the last class on Friday, she came to the office to say goodbye and we both shed tears.

Coming back to Harbin after a week in Yunnan was difficult. I had a hard time readjusting to both the climate and the homework, resulting in a bad cold and worse spirits. Though it took both time and tears to get out of my funk, I can now say I am back in full health, both physically and mentally. Only one month left with CET Harbin!