Pat Says:
Those of you who were in Yue Yang last summer have already heard me say this, but I think it's the needed opener to what I have to share with everyone: GOING TO YUE YANG WAS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. To experience such a culture, to live in such an amazingly different world, to make the head-shakingly, unbelievable friendships·I don't know how to put it, but I really don't think it gets any better. Now that I reread, let me clarify-I said head-shakingly because that's what I am doing right now as I close my eyes and thank my lucky $%@#ing stars that by some dubious fate, I was able to hop on board this international connection.
Back to friendships. Not only did I seem to fall in love with the incredible people that I taught with: Cara, Suzie, Rachel, Jeff, Carly, Dan, Erin, Melanie, Skylar, and Steven (none of whom I would have met and been so awestruck with their kindness, intelligence and uniqueness), but I continue to stay in contact with some of the students through email. Not only did I think my purpose in China was meaningful, but I was wholeheartedly reminded when I received two emails from students after only being back in the States for a few days.
As it is now February, a half a year later, I find myself smiling as I clean my gmail account and recognize some of the email I have received from students throughout the year. Their thoughts and messages not only remind me of one of the most cherished summers of my life, but also target feelings of warmth, enjoyment and fulfillment.
The kids want to learn, they want to grow- they are truly awesome. There are arguably many "best parts" about the UCS experience, but I don't think anything is worth more than the knowledge shared, about and between, our two cultures.