Dr. Thompson in China 12-13

Home Sweet Home

I'm home in Minnesota and this is my final blog entry. Even though it was sad saying good bye to dear friends in Xi'an and the students at XJTU, it has also been great seeing friends and family. I started a new position as Director of Personalized Learning and Interventions for Wayzata Public Schools. It will be a little strange not being in an elementary school but I'm excited to work with the pre-k - 12 students and staff and I'm glad my office will be in a middle school so I'll still have opportunities to interact with students.

My new phone numbers are: Cell 612-760-3522 Office 763-745-5094
email will continue to be karla.thompson@wayzata.k12.mn.us or karlamthompson@gmail.com

Over the past year I had many learning and travel opportunities ... I lived in and explored all corners of Xi'an and visited the pandas in Chengdu, the silk road through Urumqi and Turpan (NW), Harbin (NE winter festival), Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River and Three Gorges Dam, canal cities around Hangzhou (East coast), many historical cities in the south between Guangzhou and Kunming / Dally, the southern most part of China in Haikou, Hong Kong, Lhasa in Tibet, and then a winter break trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. The climate, culture, terrain, and scenery was very different in each area. I especially loved learning about the many ethnic groups in China and the vast historical treasures. It was also very interesting to be in China during the US Presidential election and the change in political leadership in China ... very different processes and I was surprised at how well informed students were about the American political scene. Many students watched debates, read speeches etc. In addition, students were very interested in everything American ... including American TV ... I had to convince them that sitcoms don't always represent "typical" families or college life. One of the professors from XJTU is in Minnesota studying at the University of Minnesota so I am excited to get together with her. I will also get together later in July with another China teacher from Wisconsin.

A great university with incredible students ... I learned so much my head is still spinning ... my Chinese stalled at a very "elementary" level because everywhere I went people wanted to practice English with me so it was hard to find time to "practice" my Chinese ... plus Chinese is difficult :-)

Relaxing in my "upgraded" business elite sleeper cabin ... a perk for being bumped in Beijing and rerouted through Tokyo. It was a smooth and relaxing flight and I was grateful for a safe trip, especially after hearing about the crash in San Francisco.

As I reflect on the experiences of the past year, I am especially grateful for the many people I met and the new insights gained through their eyes. I found the Chinese people to be wonderfully helpful, cheerful, family centered, and curious about the world beyond China. I also gained a new appreciation for the vast freedoms we enjoy in this country as well as the many "conveniences." It's fun to drive a car rather than pack into a bus or wait for long periods of time hoping to snag a taxi. Cars aren't all honking, they stay in a lane or signal when changing lanes. Crossing the street is no longer an obstacle course of dodging various kinds of vehicles going in various directions. It's a relief to speak and be understood without having to do a lot of "mime." I'm also enjoying the fresh, clean air and blue skies, clean streets and sidewalks, and air conditioning. I will definitely miss the people and the environment of learning ... their was always something new. I will miss being in a classroom and the teaching opportunities of working with college students who were so eager and hard working. I will miss the wonderful parks and all the people dancing, singing, and playing. I will miss all the grandparents strolling with grandchildren and the many photo ops ... I've not been asked for my photo even once since returning to Minnesota. :-)

Enjoy a little "year in review" as I sign off. I hope you have enjoyed sharing in my many adventures.