This month marks my sixth in China, though it seems now like I’ve been there longer (though ‘ni hou’ is about the extent on my Mandarin; means ‘hello’). Assimilating into the Chinese culture has been easy in Shenzhen, compared to Jakarta. Primarily because Shenzhen is so much more developed than Jakarta. The tech hub of China has a quality metro, expat friendly services and, more importantly, microbreweries. Good beer...I didn’t realize how much I missed you. To say Jakarta had none of these would be an understatement. I’ll miss the people, the food and how simple the language was, but Shenzhen has been a welcome upgrade, standard of living wise.
Now, onto the new school: a newly accredited international school (huge deal in the international community, as many are not), beautiful campus and an (accredited) IB world school.
I don’t know why they hired me.
I know I’m more than capable of the job, that’s not what I mean. Myself and every other young teacher/administrator understands how a lack of experience deters employers. At the original job fair I went to, schools wouldn’t even give you a sniff unless you had two years of experience. I BARELY had two years experience as an Athletic Director (that title being a stretch, with what I was doing at my former school) and only five years of total teaching experience. Most teachers in the States bust their hump for 10+ years before being able to toss their name in the AD hat. So, needless to say, I was shocked when such an established, albeit young, school wanted a second interview, let alone offer me a contract.
I soon figured it out. The school, only in its sixth year, had created the AD position a year prior. Naturally, they handed the position to the veteran Physical Education teacher. One of my best friends is a PE teacher, so I mean no disrespect, but it still baffles me how any competent administrator believes the AD position has anything to do with PE. Both positions require a person who...likes wearing shorts? Obviously, they’re the same then. (Insert a face palm-type WeChat sticker here)
And off my soap box...
Long weeks plagued my first semester while completely overhauling the athletics program: ordering new jerseys, forming a booster club, rebranding the new logo/slogan and so much more. There were some lumps along the way: incompetent manufacturers, me threatening murder, excessive red tape, etc. You know, the usual. However, I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel because of supportive superiors and a competent (and willing) Board. The latter highlights how poor the Boards at my previous schools were. It has done nothing to regret my decision of running, not walking, away from an extension offer at my previous school.
My first two holidays were quite tame: a half-week exploring Hong Kong and Macau in October and going home for Christmas. Apologies to those I missed over the last holiday, but I only had 2ish weeks back home. Most international schools in China had similarly short holidays. Why? Because we turn around 4-5 weeks later and have 2+ weeks off for Chinese New Year.
And that’s where I’m at right now: currently starting my holiday in a cafe, enjoying my reading and writing in Siem Reap, Cambodia. For those that want to hear of the awesomeness of Angkor Wat and where I plan on going next, don’t fret. A separate blog post will be coming soon after!
