Goal setting and one minute of fame (videos included)

Welcome to Tuesday, the second day of the semester at Blue Sky.

So far I've taught four classes, so I've seen all 190 of my students again. I was really looking forward to seeing them again, and I guess I still am. For some reason I just thought they'd be slightly more enthusiastic. But, alas, they are slightly depressed. Apparently Blue Sky starts much earlier than the majority of other universities in China. So all of their friends are still in their hometowns having fun. And they didn't get to celebrate the end of Spring Festival with their families, which is marked by "Lantern Festival." Lantern Festival was yesterday, meaning everyone in China burnt tall candles and shot off gigantic fireworks.

Anyway, I'm getting back into the teaching mode. Right now I'm just working on reviving their rusty minds, since they didn't speak a word of English over the past 5 weeks. We discussed our Spring Festival holidays. I also had them write out specific goals for their semester. Again I was reminded that they are Chinese students. They have pretty lofty goals, most of which they are determined to meet no matter what. In China, things that seem impossible really aren't. Their favorite saying is "Where there is a will, there is a way." That's right. The Chinese have a very strong collective will, which is probably how they built up the world's strongest economy, had the Olympics, built the Three Gorges Dam, etc.

Here are some examples of their goals:

"I want to learn 100 new words. I must get up earlier every morning and I must learn it every day before sleep. I believe if I do like this, I can achieve it."

"Goal no. 2: Be an outstanding cadre in our class. Goal no. 3: Let my physique strengthen."
(I just like that he used the word "cadre.")

"Work harder than before, stick on."

"Getting up at 6:30 in the morning, going to bed at 12:00 at the midnight."

"I want to play basketball more perfect than before."

Oh, these dear, sweet kids. How could you not love them?

Well, I have to browse through some more goals written on their crinkly papers. Meanwhile, that music I mentioned last post is playing again today. Since we discovered the blasting music is to commemorate someone who died in the neighborhood, it isn't much fun to listen to anymore.

Oh, and we got a copy of our "one minute of fame" on Chinese television. I've uploaded it for your entertainment. They made us do such over-the-top things. Like we are singing "Happy New Year to You" to the tune of "Happy Birthday" around a cake the media provided. We're wearing clothes they provided. We're putting up decorations they provided, etc. etc. And watch carefully, I'm dancing in there! I bet my old ballet teacher, June, wouldn't have guessed I'd have an audience of millions! :) Enjoy!