So here's the story. We were on a boat tour of Hang Zhou West Lake. The passengers on the boat were very excited to be touring with some "real American teachers." The younger people were taking pictures together and laughing -- off to the side stood an older woman, just admiring the enthusiasm of the other passengers. Jimmer walked up to this woman and said, "I want to have a picture with YOU!" I took the picture for them, and that woman was so touched that someone wanted a picture with her that she cried. She touched my face and said something (not sure what), but it was a great memory I will always treasure. SHE was beautiful; surely full of wisdom and humility, just like Jimmer. Here is the picture. I think I am going to hang it up in the classroom.
Aww I love that that story! She looks like she is so sweet :3
ReplyDeleteJimmer! I really loved this story when you first told it, and I think it'd be a wonderful addition to the classroom! I think we all need to see a different definition of beauty in this day and age, and both Jimmer and this woman are beautiful people!
ReplyDeleteAs part of our experience in China, we participated in a panel discussion with some Chinese teachers. Ultimately both sides asked questions to which we responded, respectively. Some of the questions posed were perhaps predictable: how do you motivate students? How do you incorporate literacy? How do you reach challenging students? What grade is best to begin Algebra?... You get it. The discussion was like a great game of badmitten - continuous volleys of discussion. THEN Jimmer spoke. He said, "this is all helpful information, but when it comes down to it, there's no secret recipe; teaching is a matter of love. You love teaching and everything else will work out." The most honest thing I have ever heard about the profession I love! I sincerely wish all my students will grow up and find a career they love so much!
ReplyDeleteCheyenne, you are right, I think modern notions of beauty are in dire need of a makeover!
I have really enjoyed reflecting on my observations of Jimmer and teaching. Thank you for sharing in my enthusiasm!