Over the course, I learned that you had to try and adapt to the classes personalities. Introductions at the beginning of class were a good icebreaker, and helped many overcome their nervousness to participate. However, a few classes needed a little more encouraging. It helped if I smiled and laughed more when I was teaching. Many times, I was too nervous to adapt and ended up getting swept away by the pressure of teaching classes with forty something students. There were times I felt I couldn’t keep on teaching, but as I taught more students, I realized that there was nothing to worry about. I was here not only to teach, but also have fun with the students here. Mistakes were meant to be made, expectations broken, and the joy I get from interacting with these people was definitely more worth caring for than potential slip ups.

The food was great, the staff were friendly, and the kids were so happy. Every day they woke up at 6:30 to do morning exercises which included running five laps around a track, stretching, and cardio. Then, they have classes of forty minutes each with ten minute breaks in between and thirty minute meals. They finish classes around 8-9:00. The students repeat this all day and still smile, which I personally find amazing. These kids find joy in the simple things of talking, cute crushes, sports, music, and learning. They aren’t allowed cellphones during the day at all, and do not complain. The people simply enjoy being with each other, and I could not be more ecstatic about their culture, personalities, and smiles!

I do not regret coming to this trip at all, if anything, I regret not being able to stay longer. It was a beautiful experience filled with newly made friends at Shennongjia, amazing scenery, and a pleasant teaching experience. I’d like to thank our parents and the Shennongjia Teaching Staff for making this trip happen! And, thank the students for showing me an adventure of a lifetime!! This is my story of teaching in Shennongjia, what will yours be?