October 6, 2005

 

Dear Mr. Xue,

 

Your letter will keep me in a good mood for the years to come. Hehe.

 

Congratulations! You are really something, dear. The entrance test is very eliminating, yet you came out one of the best, and it is a good military academy. This is really something worth celebrating. Good luck, boy.

 

What you have achieved should be contributed to your own efforts. If I have played a part in your success, that is an honor which I will treasure in my heart. I remember you very well though we stayed together in the same class for only one year. That year was a turning point in my teaching career, because in that year I started to change my teaching style. Before that year I taught for words and phrases plus grammar. After that year I taught for meaning, which I now do every day. I remember calling you Gentleman Xue for you were so shy so nice that you were almost a girl.

 

The first card you sent me really surprised me. I still keep the card in my cupboard. I never thought I could have such influence over you and please do not think so highly of me. I am just a teacher. To be able to make a difference in my students is my biggest satisfaction with my job.

 

You are right. I felt sad when Mr. Hu’s original class broke up, for I lost so many nice friends. That sadness was carved in my heart. But as you have realized, there are some things in the world we cannot change. When there is nothing to be done, we have to change ourselves. The ability to adapt to new environments is one of the surviving skills in today’s China. I am very happy that you have learned the lesson. And your recent success is what your ability to adapt has awarded you. Keep this ability up.

 

My English is very good now, especially my spoken English. Hope one day we can chat in English. I believe I am in a better position to teach English now than when you were my student. I love the language and I will keep working on it.

 

You understand me so well by saying that some of my students could misbehave since I always smile in class. That is true. But my way is my way. I should give the students freedom to do what they want and they should have the ability to judge what is right and what is wrong. If some cannot, then they will suffer and they will learn.

 

You can email me at shengliver@163.com or at shengliver@hotmail.com. My home phone number is ****—*******. I have no mobile now. And this letter will also be posted on my blog. If you have access to the Internet, welcome to visit my blog at http://spaces.msn.com/members/shengliver/

 

Thanks again, Gentleman.

 

Yours,

Shengliver