Coffee Break

The woman who is married to the teacher from Brookline (and who has her own individual identity) offered me a cup of real coffee today, which was one of the kindest things anyone could have done, I think. The Brookline program is here for a semester, so these guys are here for 4 months, and the Brookline teacher brought his family -- wife and three kids. They also brought 16 pounds of coffee. I didn't really realize how much I missed coffee until I had some of hers. I have been drinking instant coffee, with weird milk, and it isn't the same. And it's not like I drink a whole lot at home -- just two cups in the morning -- but I guess my brain uses it for something. This was high test stuff, and even without the amount of cream I usually put in, was very good. It was just good coffee. I had just one cup, but for a moment anyway, it was like all the poolballs on the table went into the right pockets. For a moment.

My coffee benefactor also told me a little about Brookline's program. The Brookline program is very developed -- has been in existence for something like 8 years or so. They have a curriculum that is based on Chinese history and literature; kids make up other work, including the MCAS, at another time. This makes for a very different experience for them, and for the teacher, I think. Brookline also has a person, hired, I believe, at the equivalent of a .4 position that coordinates the program. Over time, their program has had the opportunity to season and develop. Doubtless this would make their experience here very different than the one we are having.

We have been here in Xi'an about 2 weeks, with 2 more to go, and have begun to shake out some of the bugs or figure out what would work. I actually think a longer stay would make a number of things possible, including an immersion in Chinese history and literature. Trying to make up the work from our school for some of these kids has not been optimal. We've got kids trying to learn and teach each other Math and Science without a teacher. From a teacher's standpoint, a longer stay with a focus on China would also enhance the experience immensely.

The school at large has not found a way to incorporate Y and me into their teaching schedule, which has resulted in a number of problems for me, personally. We both have wondered if they haven't found a way, or don't want to find a way. The school is so structured, rigid, really, that perhaps it is a matter of not wanting us int their system. The Brookline program means their students have the opportunity to see what Chinese schools and families are like, plus get some education about the country itself. I really think this would be a good way to go.

Perhaps I never realized until now how much of my identity really is as as teacher, and since I haven't really been one here, it has been a little disconcerting to say the least. I'm living at a school and seeing students every day, but have been watching from the outside. It's been hard at times trying to figure out my purpose here. I wrestle enough with this existential issue as it is, compounding the complications of China on top of it has been a little stressful.

Today, though, we met with the people in charge of the International School -- essentially a Britain-based school within this school -- that definitely wants our assistance. Like starting today, which is fine by me. Y and I are going to be teaching reading comp and writing to students who have been competitively selected for a program in Singapore;she has her first class today. Tomorrow, I will start a series of 30 minute lectures on American history -- they want lectures, we'll see what else I throw in there -- for the same group of students, essentially. This could not have come a moment too soon.