Yesterday (September 10th) was National Teachers' Day in China. Teachers' Day started originally to honor Confucius, as he was a great teacher and he vigorously supported the education of every person from every level of society. It has evolved into a day to honor all teachers. Many Chinese students presented their teachers with flowers and small gifts. Teachers (or Lao shi, in Chinese) hold high social status in China.
Jim and I were honored twice. First, SWU held a dinner to honor all teachers from other countries who are teaching at their university. We met two Peace Corps teachers (Kristen and Phil), two former SJU students (Keegan and Andrew) and two former Seattle students (Julie and Rob) who are teaching English, as well as teachers from Thailand and Korea. Many rounds of beer were used to cheer on the new school year - ganbai ("bottoms up"). I was glad I was only drinking tea!
Then, at about ten o'clock last night, Jim and I had a knock on our door. There were our CSB/SJU students, who presented Jim with a small cake and an apple! We were very pleased. A few stayed after, and we discussed the political structure of China. I love how passionate, well-reasoned and well-read they are. What bliss! (Connie)
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