Fabulous, expectation, advanced, pressure and lovely. These are all words I would associate with the “Shanghai Kid.” These past nine months teaching have given me incredible close insight into the world of kids growing up in Shanghai. There are so many sub-cultures that my anthropology degree has me constantly dissecting and categorizing daily observations. Education in Shanghai is constantly changing at a rate that I would bet is one of the highest in the world. There are shifts I have already seen in only eight months. It is an exciting industry to work in and I’m constantly looking at the differences/similarities to America and what additions I would make to strengthen different curriculums.
I gave thought about writing this post for a while and there is no better time than the present! When I moved to Shanghai I was in a relationship and had confidence that it would work out long-distance and I had viewed my move as not forever. However, after only a few weeks it ended in what was a very unfortunate way as I was cheated on. I definitely did not see it coming and it was a huge shock to me. I don’t write this to shame anyone in the situation, but as a way to share my experience and let’s face it all we’ve all had breakups and unfortunately cheating is not an uncommon in relationships. People can say what they want about long distance relationships, but I think they can really work if both people are committed to making it work with a plan to eventually live in the same area again. That’s not my story but this is!
Kaila in the World 