This brings us to today... There is a traditional sort of track meet that is often put on throughout China. It's called the 1-2-9 competition, as it takes place on the 9th of December (the 12th month). In the spirit of this tradition, all the foreign teachers were asked to participate in the school-wide relay races that were being held on this pseudo-historic day. I was one of the first to be asked, and since I love competition, I signed up (all the while assuming that the other male foreign teachers would do the same).
"I'm too fat and slow," replied one. "I have an injured ankle," said the other. What was the response from the dean of our ESL department (Michael)? "I'm too old." The only other male ESL teacher didn't get asked, apparently because he's a bit chubby. So, there was me.
I was under the impression that since it was a relay race, that we needed to have at least 4 people (4x100m). After hearing about the lack of response, I thought I was off the hook. But, as with everything in China, my assumptions were WAY off base. It turned out to be a combined co-ed race that was actually a 12x100m relay. There were 6 females and there was supposed to be 6 males. We had to recruit students to participate since I was the ONLY male teacher represented by the English department, and I was the only foreign teacher participating. Needless to say, I heard more people use the term "waiguoren" (literally means "foreign person") around me (with pointing and questioning looks, including a massive number of Chinese teachers) than I've heard in the entire time I've been in China.
Still, I embraced my stubborness and got on board. I took my place at the 100m mark and waited for the baton. I ran my heiney off, hoping to avoid total embarrassment. Luckily I kept up with (but definitely did not outdo) the rest of the teacher-participants from the school. I was congratulated by the English department and by the students, who were apparently impressed. The one bonus about being a foreign teacher at this school? Most of the kids seem to automatically think the world of you, and even if you have no idea who they are, they go out of their way to say, "Hello, Teacher" in the hallways. Most don't know my name, and my own students rarely use Mr. Mrak. It's always, "Hello Teacher!" Took some getting used to, but again, This is China.
The rest of the day didn't go as swimmingly as the race (yet another annoying run-in with my "head teacher" who is supposed to represent the foreign teachers with admin, but completely ignores and contradicts any reasonable question or concern I provide when she asks for my feedback). However, I am still swimming in the celebratory words of the kids and my other fellow teachers. I also got whooped at badminton again (for the 4th straight time) by one of the young security guards at the school that I play badminton with every Wednesday, but vengeance will be mine some day. They'll rue the day, Jerry. Rue the day!!! Until next time...
T
he he Jerry!!
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