Sep 23, 2008
I really miss being a student. I met some students on Sunday. They are studying Chinese at Yantai University. One of them is Japanese, the others are Korean. We all could only communicate because of Chinese. Well, the Japanese girl actually speaks fantastic English, but the Koreans couldn't so we stuck with Chinese.
It made me miss student life so much because they seemed so carefree. Talking about their homework, what teachers they liked and didn't like, helping each other with homework. Where as I have all these responsibilities. It made me really sad. I want that again.
Then I was thinking about what I would do if I ever were to go back to America. I have no skills, no degrees (worth anything), no training in anything! In China I'm an expert. But in America I'm nothing! How would I live? The real world is so harsh!
Suddenly I had this crazy thought. I have this golden opportunity. I'm living in China making a lot of money and my Chinese sucks. I make enough in 6 months of teaching (at my current job) to take six months off and still be able to to afford all my living costs on top of tuition if I live simply.
But at that rate it would take 8 years for a B.A. So I need another way to make it work. But I'm seriously considering not renewing my contract and going back to school. I live right across the street from the University and my house is paid up for almost a year from now. If I don't live on campus I think tuition is pretty cheap. So I'm going to look into it.
The only down side is that it would take a lot away from my winter travel plans. I would probably find some part time work or something and have to give up traveling.
My point is that if I ever decide to go back to America I would have a very good skill if I had a degree in Chinese with the fluency to go with it. Translation, teaching, whatever. Maybe even study some business and go into something like that... I don't want to be stuck digging ditches if I ever go back.
That said, I probably won't ever go back for more than a visit.
I think it will be a nice change of pace for you!
保持联系。。
-梅亚伦
(Aaron)