China party

Today it was a bit warmer and I felt a bit better. My neck and throat are hurting now, but I had more energy and was able to teach for four hours straight without dying. So that was very welcome!

In class we have been reviewing for the final exams. I also have them journal about a special question I choose every class. This week's question has been, "Who is the most influential person in the world and why?" I have to admit I chose that question partially because I could predict what they would say. And I was about half right.

When I was in rural China 2.5 years ago, all the students had answered that question the same: Chairman Mao Zedong. So I was curious to see if it was true for a more urban part of China, 2.5 years later. About a third of my classes said Chairman Mao. They said he was a great leader, he unified China, and gave people food to eat, etc. Then about another third said Thomas Edison or other scientists. The rest said their parents or famous basketball players. I thought it was an interesting little survey in disguise... :)

After a quick dinner at home on old campus today, I ventured back to new campus by myself on the city buses. I haven't tried to get to the other campus by city bus. Usually we have a driver or I take the school bus. I had been very formally invited to a class party by three of my classes. So I thought it would be nice to attend.

I managed to get on the right bus and get off at the right stop. I also found the right building and the right students and the right party. One of the classrooms had been transformed into a party room of sorts. There were bright balloons and streamers hanging everywhere. I hardly recognized any of my students, just like I barely recognized the classroom. A lot of the girls had skirts on and makeup. Some of the boys had their hair all slicked back. All of my students were still very cute and innocent looking, though.

I walked into the classroom of about 100 of my students, plus a random Japanese class of about 60 students. It was a very well-planned shindig. All of my students absolutely screamed when they saw me, and I was so excited to see them, like usual. They were in an extra festive mood. Some of the quietest, most sullen students were being the most extroverted people ever. It was entertaining.

The whole classroom was lined with desks, where everyone sat with glow sticks, oranges, and sunflower seeds as party favors, I guess. I was talking to my students, and then they sat me all alone in the "VIP" seating. From that point on, I didn't understand very much. Other Chinese teachers came and sat next to me and the party was more like a performance. Several of the students were emcees, and some did little funny skits in Chinese. Others danced. I applauded and smiled a lot in appreciation, even though I was thinking, "I have no clue what's happening." Finally a couple students, Savannah and Reborn, felt sorry for me and acted as my translators.

Then a teacher borrowed my little purse for his skit. I was very confused, but didn't argue. He wore it and put a bunch of stuff in it. So during the skit, he was pulling out a harmonica, chalk, and a cactus from my purse. Yes, a cactus. And everyone laughed. Later I dumped out a bunch of cactus remains from my purse. All I could do was laugh.

After about an hour and a half, a very enthusiastic boy from the university newspaper and a few of my students pulled me out to the hallway for an "interview." The reporter was so nervous, and didn't write down a single word I said. There's no way he understood or could remember what I said. I know that a little article will appear in the newspaper, which will have me saying wonderful propaganda that I didn't say. Oh, well! Again, all I could do was laugh. Then he had me write a "New Year's message" for the whole university student body. I hope all 50,000 students will be encouraged by my humble New Year's message for good health and well-being. :)

By 8:15 p.m. the party didn't seem to have an end in sight, so I quietly left. It had been nice to see my students acting so care-free and happy. Reborn walked with me to the front gate to make sure I found the bus stop again. Then when the 220 bus pulled up, she got on and gave express instructions to the bus driver to drop me off at the old campus back gate. It was so precious of her. All of my students are always so hospitable and kind.

Now it's very late and I have a very full day tomorrow. Thanks so much for your thoughts!! I'm getting better and I still love China and my students!