My Life in Wuhan Maple Leaf

我在武汉枫叶的生活

Maria Botes - South Africa南非

   After traveling more than 11,000 km, I found myself in awe as laid eyes on Maple Leaf’s Wuhan campus for the first time.  The layout and gardens were beyond compare. I knew that I, after a good night’s rest, would be outdoors taking photos to send to my family.

   在跨越了11万公里的地球的这一边，我来到了武汉枫叶国际学校。学校的布局和花园深深吸引了我，在稍事休整一晚之后，我就迫不及待拍了很多照片和我的家人分享。

   In the middle of the school is a pond where lovely Lotus flower grows.  It is surrounded by the High-, Middle- and Elementary School buildings.

   学校的中心有一片湖，开满了荷花。周围分别是小初高校区。

   I remember meeting my grade one students for the first time. I imagine having a grandma as a teacher, must have been strange to all concerned. I will never forget how long they stared at me before a little boy right in front said “hello grandma”.  I just loved it and felt right at home.

   我清新地记得第一天见到我一年级的孩子们的场景。我永远都会记得他们一直萌萌地看着我，直到过了一会，一个坐在我面前的小男孩喊了一声“奶奶好”。我太开心了，一瞬间感到我回家了。

   One of the most extraordinary things that have happened to me, was being part of a Dragon dance team. A professional dragon dancer came to coach us personally. I can’t imagine how tough it was to teach us! We came together and the end result was superb. I was thrilled to be part of this.

   对于我来说最奇特的一件事莫过于参加舞龙队了。当时有一个专业老师来教我们，这太难了！但是经过努力我们取得了非常棒的结果。我很激动我是其中一员。

   Another highlight was when we were invited to take part in a traditional concert where I played a farmer who has to chase mice away from our food. To top it off we won the competition!

   还有一次我们参加了东湖开发区“首届国文国风演诵大赛”总决赛，我扮演一个农夫，要把老鼠们赶走。我们赢得了比赛！

   One morning I woke up at five o’ clock to find Maple Leaf bathed in white snow; which can make any adult react like a child. I couldn’t wait to get to school to see the reaction of the children and take photos to send back home where it was mid-summer. What an amazing event!

   有一天清晨，我五点钟醒来，发现校园被皑皑白雪覆盖，不禁兴奋起来，想象着孩子们看到下雪的反应。我想和他们拍照，发给我的家人看。在我的祖国，当时可是盛夏呢。这太不可思议了！

   Management had organized many outings during my stay such as the Caidan Amusement park and Gulong; however the field trip to the Aquariums stands out.  It was incredible to see how well it was organized in terms of safety, fun, and excitement.

   学校组织过很多活动，我最喜欢的是水族馆之行。活动组织得很好，大家都很安全、开心、激动。

   Teacher’s day is probably my most favorite day here at Maple Leaf. In my country it’s hardly celebrated so the amount of effort and care shown here was breathtaking. Students search their hearts to find the right English words to use to tell their teachers how they truly feel.  Small student letters, beautiful bouquets of flowers and memorable gifts find their way to our offices. This year management gave each of us a lovely framed photo of ourselves.  How very thoughtful!  

   教师节是我在枫叶最喜欢的节日，因为在我的国家，人们不怎么庆祝教师节。鲜花、礼物、孩子们的笑脸……今年学校为我们准备的礼物是一个相框，里面是我们自己的职业照，我太喜欢了！

   Are there teaching challenges?  Oh yes, of course! Teaching Chinese students does not come easy. I do like the structure of the Elementary School and I find its guide lines comprehensive and easy to follow. The classes are all inclusive so if you have background of differentiation, then you’ll sail through.

   那教学上有困难么？当然。中国的小朋友并不好教，但是枫叶的课程设置很合理，因此我们教起来并不十分费劲。

   Often, it is indeed necessary to reach out to the Bilingual and International teachers for help.  What an extraordinary crowd of people to work with!     They are most accommodating and helpful. Some of them have become very dear friends and I will treasure them forever.

   双语老师和其他外教也会给我很多建议和帮助，他们是非常友好的人们！我和其中的一些已经成为非常好的朋友，也会永远珍惜我们的友谊。

   I look back with fond remembrance of how one of my students, Leo Li, tried to teach me Chinese chess.  He was really very patient with his old teacher.

   我还记得我的一个学生教我学中文，他对他的“老”老师还真是耐心呢。

   Teaching at Maple Leaf has been such a tremendous experience for me. I like to think that I’m quite blessed to have come so far from home and had people waiting for me with open arms. The amount of fellowship between us Maple Leafers makes Wuhan feel like a home away from home.

   在枫叶的生活是一段非凡的经历。虽然我远离家乡，但是很感激这里有对我这么好的人们，他们使武汉枫叶成为了我的第二个家。