and they make me feel young and energized! It’ s been deeply rewarding to watch them grow— not just in their language skills, but in their understanding of why learning a new language and engaging with another culture matters. I’ ve also learned alongside them every day. One especially meaningful experience was leading student trips to China, where we immersed ourselves in the language and culture. These journeys created lasting memories and gave students an authentic, powerful connection to what they were learning in the classroom.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN YOUR TIME HERE?
I am proud of the many students who have participated in Mandarin competitions every year— poetry recitation, speech, writing— and many do exceptionally well. To me, and students as well, these accomplishments go beyond grades; they show the ability to use the language meaningfully. Two recognitions stand out in my career: In 2011, I received the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago— a student-nominated award by one of my English students. In 2021, I also received the Maple Leaf
Award from the Canadian Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Association to honour my over 25 years of outstanding services and contributions to the Mandarin teaching and learning community.
And there are the Lunar New Year celebrations. Students have always stepped up to support and participate; whether it was the fan dance at the Lunar New Year assembly or calligraphy and paper cutting activities, they enjoyed the experience too! For many students with Chinese heritage who were born and grew up here, these events have offered a meaningful way to reconnect with their culture and take pride in it.
WHAT WILL YOU MISS ABOUT CROFTON HOUSE?
I will definitely miss my students. But I will also miss my dear colleagues and the vibrant energy of the School. We have so many positive things going on with so many activities. CHS is more than a school; it’ s a community. We come together, collaborate, celebrate and learn together. Events like Lunar New Year, Language and Culture Week, Asian Heritage Month, as well as other celebrations, bring us together in meaningful ways. I’ ve always told my students: you’ re not simply going to learn from your textbook or inside your classroom; you can learn everywhere, all the time.
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