Last March, I was sitting in my Children's Literature class at the University of Montana with the rest of my college career planned out: one more semester of classes, then a semester of student teaching in Missoula with graduation following in May. My college career up to that point had been the definition of traditional. I was on track to graduate in 4 years with a BA in Elementary Education. I knew from the beginning education was my calling and was eager to student teach.
That fateful day turned out to change my life. Rhea Ashmore, a professor emerita at the Phillis J. Washington College of Education and Human Science gave a short presentation to our class about "the experience of a lifetime". Over the past few weeks I observed flyers around the education building that had something to do with teaching in China but I barely gave them a second glance thinking, "Me go to China???? Never!" So when Professor Ashmore came into our class that spring morning, I had no intention of leaving Montana anytime soon.
After a short PowerPoint presentation, the idea of spending 8 weeks in China grew on me, but many questions coursed through my mind: Was I brave enough to leave Montana? How expensive was the trip? How will I get by knowing absolutely no Mandarin? These questions seemed to fade away and new realization came to me: if not now, when? My mind was made up by the time I got home from class that day... I was going to go to China.
The selection process included an essay, recommendations from my professors, and evaluation of grades. I worked diligently on my essay, making it clear that although I had never traveled, my immense enthusiasm and bravery outweighed any inexperience. At the same time I had to turn in my general student teaching application, and with only two weeks until the deadline I was overloaded with things to do, but the thought of teaching in China was well worth the long days.
I remember receiving the e-mail telling me I was accepted. I broke down in tears. My excitement and nerves and amazement all came out at once. Out of numerous applicants, I was selected for one of the three placements to teach. I would be traveling to Hangzhou, China the following March.
I won't bore everyone with my preparations of airfare, insurance, trips to the doctor to get vaccination after vaccination, passport application, visa application, and finally all the bells and whistles for the 9 week trip. Here I am, 11 days from departure, finishing my final week of student teaching in Missoula and preparing (mentally as well as physically) for the biggest adventure of my life.
The selection process included an essay, recommendations from my professors, and evaluation of grades. I worked diligently on my essay, making it clear that although I had never traveled, my immense enthusiasm and bravery outweighed any inexperience. At the same time I had to turn in my general student teaching application, and with only two weeks until the deadline I was overloaded with things to do, but the thought of teaching in China was well worth the long days.
I remember receiving the e-mail telling me I was accepted. I broke down in tears. My excitement and nerves and amazement all came out at once. Out of numerous applicants, I was selected for one of the three placements to teach. I would be traveling to Hangzhou, China the following March.
I won't bore everyone with my preparations of airfare, insurance, trips to the doctor to get vaccination after vaccination, passport application, visa application, and finally all the bells and whistles for the 9 week trip. Here I am, 11 days from departure, finishing my final week of student teaching in Missoula and preparing (mentally as well as physically) for the biggest adventure of my life.
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