Reconnecting with China after five long years was an eye-opening experience. The changes were astonishing, especially the widespread use of e-pay systems. From hotels to buses and even fresh vegetables from local farmers, everything was paid for through QR codes. Seeing groups of senior vendors conducting business with just their smartphones was a stark reminder of how much has changed. Cash is almost obsolete, and these transactions aren't tied to credit or debit cards but are seamlessly integrated into services like WeChat, a social media app. This is just one example of the many innovations transforming China today.

Being in such a vibrant and opportunity-filled society was incredibly exciting. It was inspiring to witness how quickly China has bounced back from the COVID era. Small businesses are thriving, with new opportunities everywhere. I saw 3D-printed dragons, bustling night markets offering food and entertainment for all ages, and young entrepreneurs finding creative ways to blend traditional items with modern life. I was even able to access Gmail occasionally, which was a pleasant surprise. This experience reinforced my belief that learning Chinese language and culture can bring my students not only joy now but also countless opportunities in the future. What a powerful motivation!

However, there is still a significant information gap. Apps like YouTube are inaccessible in China, and the news is often presented in a way that paints a negative picture of the U.S. Could this gap be bridged by the next generation? It’s a question worth exploring.

Amid all the excitement, I also encountered some sad realities, particularly in education. Students in China are under immense pressure to advance to high school and college. The education system is heavily focused on academics, especially exams and tests. Students are trained to excel in these areas to secure a spot in regular high schools, which are necessary for college admission. Those who don’t pass these exams face a different path, often leading to vocational schools and blue-collar positions. Sadly, values like self-management, self-care, and emotional health seem to be neglected. During my stay, I learned of a tragic incident where a local high school student took her life, just a year before the college entrance exam. It left me feeling small and helpless.

I wish for my students to always value their lives and health above all else and to have trusted adults they can turn to when feeling down. And I will try my best to support them in every way needed.

Overall, it was incredible to reconnect with China post-COVID. I’m returning with fresh ideas for my classroom and new topics to discuss with my students. I’m grateful to CPS for supporting me in this journey.

My visit to Transformative Teaching & Learning center at St. Andrew’s was really interesting! Seeing the Chinese classes in action gave me a lot of ideas for my own teaching. Daphne Clyburn, the Language Department Head, shared some great insights into their language program, and watching Lan Yao's Mandarin classes was really eye-opening. I really like that they use desks with wheels so you can easily rearrange the room. Also, at the beginning of each school year, they update each teacher's profile and post it outside of classrooms, with informations like: Passions, What I'm Reading, Research-Informed Focus and why, etc.

I also got to hang out with the CTTL team, including Glenn Whitman, the Dreyfuss Family Director, and Dr. Ian Kelleher, the Dreyfuss Chair of Research and Associate Director. They had some fascinating research and teaching methods to share. Having lunch with Lan Yao and chatting with Lorraine Martinez Hanley (the Director of Professional Growth and Studies and CTTL Diversity, Equity and Belonging Research Lead), and the Mandarin students was a highlight as well.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience exploring language teaching and research at St. Andrew’s. I learned a lot and had a great time!

Attending the CLTA 2024 Annual World Languages Conference was an enriching experience that left me inspired and equipped with valuable insights and resources. As a presenter, I had the privilege of sharing my expertise on integrating intangible cultural heritages into the Chinese language classroom. The opportunity to engage with fellow educators during my session was particularly rewarding, as we explored innovative strategies and practical methods to foster cultural connections and immersive learning experiences.

Beyond my own presentation, the conference provided a platform for continuous learning and professional growth. Attending other educational sessions and participating in hands-on learning environments exposed me to a wealth of tangible resources and ready-to-use techniques. From the timeliest topics to the latest research, the conference offered a comprehensive overview of current trends in language education, empowering me to enhance my content knowledge and refine my teaching strategies.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and exchange ideas and best practices. The collaborative atmosphere fostered meaningful discussions and networking opportunities, further enriching my learning experience. I left the conference feeling energized and motivated to implement new approaches in my classroom, confident that the knowledge and insights gained will positively impact the learning journey of my students.

Overall, the CLTA 2024 Annual World Languages Conference was a valuable professional development opportunity that exceeded my expectations. I am grateful for the chance to attend and contribute as a presenter, and I look forward to applying the newfound knowledge and techniques to create a more engaging and culturally enriching learning environment for my students.

Attending my first California IT in Education (CITE) conference was an enlightening and transformative experience that left a lasting mark on my professional journey. This conference opened my eyes to new innovative approaches that can be employed to enhance teaching and learning.

The sessions and workshops dove into various aspects of educational technology, from interactive learning platforms to virtual reality applications. Learning about these cutting-edge tools expanded my understanding of how technology can cater to different learning styles, making learning more accessible and engaging for students. Sessions I attended included: Hands-on Apple Lab, Revolutionize IT Helpdesk Support, From Computer Technician to CTO, and many others!

The networking opportunities at the conference were great! Connecting with fellow educators, tech experts, and industry professionals allowed me to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from the challenges and successes of others. These connections not only expanded my professional network but also provided ongoing support and mentorship. I was able to meet Apple engineers and discuss deployment strategies and struggles.

The conference not only strengthened my existing skills but also inspired me to explore new avenues in education technology. Witnessing passionate educators and tech enthusiasts share their success stories ignited a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm within me. I left the conference with a clear vision of how I could leverage technology to create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment for our students.

In conclusion, attending my first CITE conference was a transformative experience that significantly influenced my professional practice. The knowledge gained, the connections made, and the inspiration garnered have collectively contributed to my growth as an IT Specialist.