Written by Zhang Xiaoyu，the language teacher of CINB

On June 18 and 19, 2015, Harkins middle school held a spectacular annual talent show，including the Chinese talent show performed by students from Grade 6 and Grade 8. Their wonderful performance included the Chinese drama "Staying by a stump waiting for more hares to come and dash themselves against it" or "Shou Zhu Dai Tu"; poem recitation and chorus "Ode to Goose"; " Sing Beijing Opera Masks" dance; chorus" Jasmine "; “Jasmine” dance, all of which drew thunderous applause and cheers. Especially, the "Jasmine" dance caused a great excitement with the whole audience dancing together. June 19 is my last school day at Harkins, so it’s time to say goodbye to Harkins and Miramichi.

I’m deeply touched by everything HMS and Miramichi has brought to me; I feel happy because of their happiness; I try my best to do everything to express my gratitude, but what they have given to me is far more than what I have expected...

On November 26th, 2014, after a 21-hour journey, I finally reached Miramich，a small city in New Brunswick where I would start my teaching as the Chinese teacher by myself. From the next day until early April, I had gone through the extremely harsh winter in Canada, and as well I had witnessed the Canadian people’s perseverance and optimism. And after the harsh winter gave way to a mild spring, I gained plenty of friends who were actually just like my family!

I still recall the first period when I just arrived at Harkins middle school. People here were friendly, nice and warm-hearted, but they only had limited knowledge of China. I realized that as the first Chinese teacher at this school, and as a layman in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, all that I can do was to work hard and communicate with people with my heart. Step by step, little by little, I found more and more positive topics and opinions about China at Harkins. I will always remember February 18, 2015, my first Chinese New Year without my family members. On that day, I made dumplings and watched the Spring Festival gala together with students; on that day, almost everyone in Harkins greeted me: happy New Year! I will always remember June 8, 2015, the first Chinese culture exposition with the whole school involved. We together set up stations in the gym, and together danced bamboo dances. I won’t forget the wood sleigh ride with the purple team on March 25, 2015; I won’t forget the first trip to Fredericton with the blue team on June 11, 2015; I won’t forget every day’s rehearsal with the blue team and girls and boys from Grade8; I won’t forget students’ curious eyes for new knowledge, their excited expressions, their cheerful smiles, and their hard work! Yes, I’ll always remember the talent show on June 18, 2015.

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