The Preface

We're going to China.

Yep, that's what I tell Hallie every couple of weeks. But now reality is setting in and we are really going to China in a week.

As graduation approached more quickly than I had anticipated, I found myself a bit lost. Interviewing in an economic recession was tough to say the least. My friend Hallie and I never would have guessed that this would be the feeling that consumed us as we said our goodbyes to the University of Texas and hello to the real world. I was counting on entering into a business atmosphere because that's what my degree was for, right? But there were a few bumps in the road. So to make a long story filled with deadlines, applications, and letters of recommendation short, we are going to to teach English in Shanghai, China.

This decision not only shocked me, but also shocked my friends and family. My parents were not thrilled with my choice to fly away to a foreign country at first. However, they have slowly come around to see that this is an opportunity of a lifetime (or that's what I tell myself -eh hem- dad). I have been preparing for my journey this summer by filling out endless forms and going to many doctors appointments to fulfill the requirements for a working visa. And now that all of these measures have been taken, my adventure is literally about to begin.

I had to blog for a couple of classes for school, and never thought I'd get into blogging by choice. Turns out this seems to be the best way to keep friends and family filled in on my every move in China Town. Hallie and I are teaching 4-6 year olds at a private school in Shanghai. We are really excited and nervous because neither of us have formally taught anything before. We probably haven't learned enough key phrases or studied enough about the culture or history, but we sure expecting quite a change!

My goals for going to teach abroad are: to better the lives of as many cute asian kiddos as possible, learn some mandarin, be open to cultural change, become more independent, find my calling in life, work on being patient, travel to incredible places, teach english, challenge my comfort level, take awesome pictures, master the art of chopstick use, and much, much more. For you, I will try to include good words to know in mandarin at the end of each blog. This will give me some incentive to learn too. Hope China is ready for two fair skinned brunettes. One who loves classic movies and Shakespeare and one who enjoys the outdoors and good music.

WPB (word per blog): Ni Hao: Hello. Ni Haowdy: Howdy China (created right here in Texas)