Keep focused

What may come as a surprise for some friends, family, and students has actually been a defining moment for keeping the last 7 years of my life from gathering dust. Originally, my 5 year plan saw me coming back to New England, finding a job, and perhaps marrying a Chinese Harvard grad! But since publishing that plan I realized that none of my plans would appropriately take advantage of my valuable experience in Asia. I have made a decision based on the realization that completely moving back home would not have been the best investment of my time, business relationships, and experience. Some might be thinking, “Where did this change come from?” or “Isn’t this a little sudden?” I understand that reaction, but have a different way of  looking at it. Since it might be a bit much to swallow all at once, I’ll just describe what has been going through my mind over the past three or four weeks.

“Don’t Quit” … “Be a Jack of all Trades”  … “Diversify”

The Dip Curve

They seem like fair points for young people, right? But if I could go back and teach little Ben, some years ago, about how to be successful I’d probably disagree. Why don’t we say, “strategically quit” instead of “Don’t Quit” or “master a skill” instead of being “a Jack of all Trades”? If you feel being great or the best at something is not worth the hardship to get there, then why not quit early? Better yet, let’s not invest our time and energy in it from the get-go. I’ve played countless sports, joined loads of teams, started a bunch of projects… to what avail? Chalking up experience? Ultimately, what is the result of these delayed-quitting experiences? A serial quitter, as Seth Godin puts it in his book The Dip.

Endlessly beautifying a resume is a sociably acceptable way to say “I prefer to settle,” which isn’t going to get me any closer to my dreams or ideal lifestyle. I built TutorSearchChina.com and put it to rest. I dabbled in social ranking with TutorBook, but let it drift out to sea. My Worldshop.US experiment was a Cul-de-Sac waiting to be quit and I eventually did. And since 2009 I’ve been utilizing the experience from my master’s degree to build a network of online teachers and valuable web-based learning programs. It has recently gained a lot more momentum and I don’t want to see that all go away like previous projects. I’m tired of starting new things all the time. I don’t want to be a jack of all trades anymore.

Specialization is key. Seth mentions in his book that if you are looking for an excellent accountant, you don’t consider what his golf swing is like. You just want someone who is specialized in the field you require. If you find out that you have a rare disease, you’re going to find the doctor who has researched this specific disease; you won’t go to a general practitioner, who is good at curing many common ailments. The list goes on… and I’m sure you can think of many situations in which you’ve looked for The Best Person for the Job.

My Chinese proficiency exam results came in recently and I realized that I had surpassed my original goal of level 4 (out of 11) – I got a 6! With this certification I’m qualified to take Chinese-taught, college level courses in any Chinese university. And with this skill, I feel confident to push forward with my plans for providing online training to foreign companies in China through my EFET platform.

The decision to stay in China comes down to one requirement: SPECIALIZATION. I’m experienced and unique here. I can create online learning programs that will become a standard for training departments of foreign companies. I’m confident that I can be the best choice to fill this need and moving home now would stop myself dead in my tracks.

Serial quitter, no more.

The China Guan

“The China Guan” is my way of calling this amazing 2010 World Expo pavilion that still receives thousands of visitors per day in Shanghai. The building is a tribute to traditional Chinese architecture dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-467 BC). From this artist’s rendition you can see the “interlocking wooden brackets” which are the most important element of this kind of traditional structure. Although I hadn’t made the effort to visit the Expo in 2010, I felt it was important to see this pavilion before it gets torn down… or perhaps it will be the only building left standing in this expensive downtown location.

The China Guan really impressed me not only because of its unique outer covering, but mostly because of the video exhibit that you are shown in the first hall. After taking an elevator up one of the legs of this massive building you are led into a dome-like video area. The room is packed with people eager to get a dose of modern Chinese culture. The lights dim to black and the show starts.

From 1978 to 2008

The following 10 minutes were truly a flashback for me. A lot has happened since I got to China in 2005. Economic progress, natural disasters, and political conflict just to name a few. In a typically dramatic Chinese fashion, the stories of soldiers, athletes, politicians, and farmers were laid out for the crowd to weep over. In fact, I nearly shed a tear at the Wenchuan Earthquake memorial piece. The visuals were so stunning that you felt as if you were there; I could smell the dust from crumbled buildings in the air.

With time-warp scenes of a common household from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, the audience was taken through the technological advancements of most developed countries. Unfortunately, I could recall many country-side homes in 2011 that I’ve visited that still look more like the 1970s home than the year 2000 one. Perhaps the have-nots who could afford a visit to the China Guan were thinking, “this 2000s living room looks nothing like mine. What the ….?” I’m sure the disparities in society were not highlighted for obvious reasons; mainly, to keep harmony in society. Ah, harmony in China. What would we do without it?

The show ends with a brief look at the Green Economy that is rapidly developing in this country. Wind power, solar power, and agro-based power exhibits are on display like at a science museum. Concept EV cars were on display, but were a little too Jetsons to see the light of day anywhere. I would say that Better Place’s new island in Shanghai has a better shot at success with this EV market.

After seeing the last bits of the future, you’re sent down an escalator… back to reality. See some of my other shots in the gallery below.

[seo_thumb_gallery category="China" gallery="Expo" skin="black" size="small"]

Duck, Pork, and Cabbage with Rice = $1.69

Good food on a budget is a specialty not only in China, but across the developing world. In countries which have recently joined the world economy, or only within the past 20-30 years, local food traditions have stayed strong. And although Western food is becoming more popular in these countries, their preference for local traditional dishes is unlikely to change in the near future.

The one common remark that students studying abroad make about their experience is that food doesn’t meet their standards. For example, the pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads option that fill cafeterias in the US provoke a homesickness that is unavoidable. Looking at the common dish I had for dinner last night, could you blame them for missing home?

Right outside my apartment is the “Sichuan Room”, a Cantonese-style Sichuan restaurant which serves amazing food at a low price. When I’m tired after a long day of work or study, I find comfort in a short visit to this restaurant. When I’m not interested in the $.25 options in the university cafeteria here at JNU, I take a two-minute stroll to a nirvana of tasty food.

Greens, Eggs, and Meaty Cauliflower = $.79

Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese all enjoy their local food more than foreign styles. Their dishes are full of vegetable, meat, and fish options. Although we in the US consider these cuisines to be non-native, and therefore an occasional experience, it would be much healthier if we started following more of this kind of tradition.

Check out my Asian recipes in AL.ME’s Cooking section!

60 Years Young

Of all the concepts that differ between Western and Eastern culture, I’ve found that age represents one of the deepest divides. When China celebrated its 60th year of founding their nation in 2009, I quickly discovered that it was more than just a multiple-of-10 anniversary; China had become a fully matured adult. The phrase for turning sixty is “年过花甲”, which is a cycle of 60 years; or literally becoming a flower. 花 is flower in Chinese, but in this case it represents the white hair of a 60 year-old.

There is a respect for elders here (in China and greater Asia) which I’ve never experienced before my arrival in 2004. Back home turning 40 means going “over the hill” which is a concept that doesn’t exist here. The jokes about “getting old” are supposed to be playful, but actually linger in our subconscious… Wouldn’t it be nice if getting older was a sign of wisdom and experience, rather than a reason to be pitied?

Times are changing. Its true that Asian people don’t enjoy getting old either. They also wish to stay young forever… and they certainly try! After about 20 years of life it seems both Western and Eastern cultures start getting nervous about age. Perhaps they should get married soon… have a child before 30… own a house by some other pre-set age…  Parents out here are mostly at fault for causing the age-anxiety in their children. As for me, I’m just lucky to have very supportive parents who don’t set arbitrary expectations on their children. I’m taking my time and enjoying the ride. So, thanks for the freedom mom and dad; you won’t regret it!

Catic Hotel – Zhuhai

March 12, 2007 – 4:00pm Meeting with …. The Whole Staff! Johnson (Wang Manager-Lobby) Simon (Yan Asst. Manager-Lobby)

A situation that I wanted to avoid became unavoidable today! My intention was to meet the manager(s) of the Guest Relations office or Front office. I hoped to discuss what their specific situation is like before meeting the staff altogether. I thought this would be a good step-by-step approach. This is China right?? But, i got a kind of rushed (almost Western) feeling.

I arrived on time, greeted by Wang Qi, the bellboy who was my initial contact. He had been there for 2 years and his English was severely lacking- my first conundrum, although extremely friendly. He took me to the 3rd floor and we stopped outside the VIP conference room. That’s when he said “Everyone is here.” I said “really?? well… this is not what i expected. I’m not prepared to hold a class. I should talk to the manager first.” Then, the Asst. Mngr., Simon, came out to talk to me. He said “Hello, nice to meet you!” I also met Manager Wang. They told me about 20 staff members were waiting in the meeting room…

Now, i wanted to just meet these two men and discuss returning for a few classes, however, a new situation slapped me in the face: an actual class! So, I told them it would be a short meeting with the staff and in I went… I was applauded and got a standing ovation. I was under pressure!

I basically adapted what i planned to say with the managers to suite a large group of people. I used my famous “Make a friend with you” example. This got an immediate response from about 5-8 people; the other 12-15 were lost. (I suggest this for future initial meetings. It helped me see how many intermediate and upper level students there were. Also, it lightens the mood!)

Here is the breakdown of the staff:
Most are at a very low level of English. A few have actual questions that could be useful to discuss. BUT, that’s not the case for most of them.

If they are ALL lumped together in one class, i’ll spend the beginning on simple conversation and dialogue + vocab. In the middle, I’ll discuss some upper level vocabulary with “contextual” examples. Finally, i’ll review the simple conversation with the lower levels. They will form pairs and repeat the dialogues.

Here is what the managers expect the classes to include:
VOCABULARY.

Of course, they want their staff to understand specific cultural differences between the languages, but they think a major focus should be vocabulary. So, i plan to give them relevant vocabulary and their various forms/ parts of speech. Looks like i’ll be in the book store tomorrow AM…

Specifics about the Catic Hotel:

1) They don’t have an “annual English program” for their employees. It doesn’t surprise me considering the low level of English most of the staff has. The lobby managers are young, with fair English, and very interested in helping their staff improve English. Good prospect!

2) The Asst. manager of their department is a slightly older woman who speaks no English. She looks a little impatient as well. I should consider her more next time I visit!

3) Hotels in general seem to have just a couple very good English speakers. Their abilities must be considered and we should allow them to take an active role in helping the class. It’s a chance for them to shine, not for them to feel isolated.

4) Simon mentioned “hui bao” or “repayment.” The hotel really seems to want to repay me in some way. I will be more clear about what I hope to do in the future in order to quench their curiousity. Maybe I need to up the ante after the first classes of both YinDo and Catic.

5) Catic’s design and managerial aspects are much more creative and youthful. Their strong support can really be useful for the website and future tutor offerings!

6)* Over a plate of Baby Japanese Octopus, Simon discussed the hotel’s goal to have the “Best Front Office/Reception” in Zhuhai. There must be some kind of award for this. If so, find the source and advertise future “Hospitality English” training programs there.

• Zhuhai, China & Venice in a day (maepearl.wordpress.com)