In the fall semester of college way back in 2008, I enrolled in a Chinese Printmaking class taught by Xuewu Zheng.
This course would forever change my life.
I was working part-time at an art supply store, and I had to close up shop and rush to the evening class after. I was late almost every day! This was an introduction class taught by a visiting Chinese professor, so it was low on my class load priorities, but I still put in effort because 1) that was the type of student I was, and 2) the energy of the class was wonderful and the techniques were enjoyable.
Fast forward to the end of the semester, and Xuewu invited a visiting Chinese artist to show at a campus museum. At the opening, Xuewu and I were talking one on one for the first time, and he mentioned how he admired my work and invited me to take part in his artist residency program in Beijing!
That very next summer, I was on a plane to Beijing — to a place I now consider my Chinese home.
I'm sure I'll share many more details in the future, but that class, and the month-long trip that stemmed from it, inspired my casual but deep love of the Chinese language and culture. Up until this past year, I have been studying the language very casually. I've bought countless books that I've barely cracked open, tried at least 20 different Chinese learning apps, and taken 3 more trips to China.
A few months ago YouTube suggested a Chinese learning video, and so I clicked on it, intending to have it play in the background. One of the apps that was mentioned was one that I hadn't heard of before: HanBook.
This app!
I cannot say enough good things about it! It has single handedly reignited my Chinese learning in a way that I've only wished for in the past.
I am a huge proponent of finding what works best for you. For me, this app has been the inspiration and tool that I didn't even know I was looking for.
I return to work on January 3rd, and before then I set myself a goal to finish the Level 2 Comprehensive Course. I also recently purchased a 600 vocabulary level short story book and a 4-book series following a kid's diary/experience in first grade. I have also purchased a 365 day art prompt inspiration book in chinese as well as a blank 5 year journal where I'll write a couple lines in chinese every day as a mini journal.
Unil restrictions are lifted and I can travel back to China (hopefully in 2023!), I'll keep working towards understanding this beautiful language through my new-found determination.
What about you? Are you trying to learn a new language? What keeps you motivated? Let me know!
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