29 years!
My seventh year in China is ending in a few months and the 8th year starting, but before that we have other celebrations too, like my 29th birthday today! I wanted to write a few words to look back the years and growth I’ve been going over while living in China.
I was 22 years when I moved to China, had just gotten out of a long relationship and looking for an adventure. Well, truth to be told, I had left everything back home waiting for me if I decided to go back after my first semester. But I must have known, that the chance of staying longer was there too.
I came to China at a right time, young and free to learn and experience new things. I spent three semesters at the Guangzhou University, studying Chinese, traveling and hanging out with friends. At that point I decided to stay in China long-term and started my bachelor degree at Sun Yat-Sen University.
Undergraduate years were full of fun, friends and I met my husband too. Being a student in China is easy and carefree, but I also found my passion for teaching during the years and applied for the master’s program in teaching Chinese.
Starting masters, getting married and having a baby were all steps into a more grown-up life. It wasn’t about the exciting life in China anymore, but a normal everyday living that goes on no matter where you live. The newness of it all wears off and at this point many move to a new location if they aren’t satisfied of whats left. For me it was time to start working towards my career.
Now at 29 years a new chapter in my life is starting as I am setting up a business and taking my Chinese tutoring to a new level. I’m exciting to see what this year has in store for me and more importantly, what I can make out of it!
Thank you for following me all these years and welcome to the new year!
4 Comments
Kevin
Such a nice, brief reflection and a great time to do it! How much Chinese language experience/instruction did you have before coming here 8 years ago?
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Sara Jaaksola Reply:
December 30th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
I studied Chinese in Finland before coming, when I came I had rudimentary survival skills and could write about 200 characters.
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Janna
I wish you the best luck for your business and admire your life choices and dedication! Well done :) And happy birthday!
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Sara Jaaksola Reply:
December 30th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Thank you Janna!
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