2 weeks back, I was again invited to judge an English speaking competition. This time, it was for the first year students. I didn't know what to expect, but it seemed important. I received e-mails from student participants leading up to the competition asking for pointers. I didn't know what to tell them, so I said practice, practice, practice. Seemed like the right thing to say. The day came and I was to meet at the campus near my apartment. It was a Friday night, so I wore my Friday best. Jeans and a t-shirt. I would come to regret this decision.
I was picked up in a homemade car by students of my second year class. I was confused, "I thought this was for first years?" I asked.
They laughed. "It is! We're judging too!"
Could this be an elaborate heist? These second years weren't that good at English. Have my students all had enough of me and decided on kidnap and ransom? I think I could take some of them, but the Chinese have strength in numbers. I leaned back and hoped for the best.
A comfortable hour and too many Chinese jazz-pop songs later, we arrived at my Monday-Wednesday, first year campus - Banhu, meaning North Lake. I still haven't seen the lake.
The time was 7:30. I already had dinner back home, but the event didn't start until 8 and we were led into the cafeteria. More students joined us with a plate of food and drinks for me. I told them I already had dinner and that I wasn't hungry, but they neither spoke English or refused to believe I couldn't eat. Apparently Chinese people think I am always eating and need constant nutrition to be so tall. It was an offer I could not refuse.
After 2nd dinner and a few photographs, it was time for the main event. I was ushered into the main building and up the stairs. This was when I first noticed the dress attire for the evening. The girls all looked pretty in long dresses and hair done right. The guys looked snappy in suit and ties. I was dressed for a 2nd rate pub on a weeknight. Too late now.
We arrived at one of the larger classrooms on campus, but calling it a classroom doesn't come close. It looked like a Hollywood movie premiere. There were girls in evening gowns, classical music, first years without an invite stuck behind the rope like unwanted paparazzi and a first-rate red carpet to boot. Here I was, a special guest in jeans and 2-day stubble.
I walked in and the audience gave me a standing ovation. I was humbled. I had done nothing and they were cheering me like I was Xi Jinping. It was terrible, but I waved and smiled. This is what it's like to be Keanu Reeves, I thought.
I got to my seat fast. I was right up at the front, dead center. The show was about to begin, the lights dimmed and voices quieted. I have to admit, I was a little excited.
I was picked up in a homemade car by students of my second year class. I was confused, "I thought this was for first years?" I asked.
They laughed. "It is! We're judging too!"
Could this be an elaborate heist? These second years weren't that good at English. Have my students all had enough of me and decided on kidnap and ransom? I think I could take some of them, but the Chinese have strength in numbers. I leaned back and hoped for the best.
A comfortable hour and too many Chinese jazz-pop songs later, we arrived at my Monday-Wednesday, first year campus - Banhu, meaning North Lake. I still haven't seen the lake.
The time was 7:30. I already had dinner back home, but the event didn't start until 8 and we were led into the cafeteria. More students joined us with a plate of food and drinks for me. I told them I already had dinner and that I wasn't hungry, but they neither spoke English or refused to believe I couldn't eat. Apparently Chinese people think I am always eating and need constant nutrition to be so tall. It was an offer I could not refuse.
After 2nd dinner and a few photographs, it was time for the main event. I was ushered into the main building and up the stairs. This was when I first noticed the dress attire for the evening. The girls all looked pretty in long dresses and hair done right. The guys looked snappy in suit and ties. I was dressed for a 2nd rate pub on a weeknight. Too late now.
We arrived at one of the larger classrooms on campus, but calling it a classroom doesn't come close. It looked like a Hollywood movie premiere. There were girls in evening gowns, classical music, first years without an invite stuck behind the rope like unwanted paparazzi and a first-rate red carpet to boot. Here I was, a special guest in jeans and 2-day stubble.
I walked in and the audience gave me a standing ovation. I was humbled. I had done nothing and they were cheering me like I was Xi Jinping. It was terrible, but I waved and smiled. This is what it's like to be Keanu Reeves, I thought.
I got to my seat fast. I was right up at the front, dead center. The show was about to begin, the lights dimmed and voices quieted. I have to admit, I was a little excited.