"Dreams and Thoughts" by Students

Advanced Writing has always been my favorite class to teach and my least favorite class to grade for, except for on days like today.  I recently had my students write a bucket list and two open-ended journal entries during their two weeks of self-study.  Their writing reminded me of why I love teaching some of Beijing’s smartest, dedicated dreamers who, though often disguised as shy nerds, are undeniably creative and passionate teens, ready to change the world.  I thought I’d share some of their dreams and thoughts with you.  :)

Samples from the Bucket Lists

Marrying Obama’s Daughter

Having a brother

Living in an African original tribe for some months

Emiting (submitting) an article on New York Times

Help China develop its space army

Read a good deal of books!!!!

Do a thing that can shock the society

See Katy Perry

Be a weird person

Say “sorry” sincerely to the people I hurt, angered or worried and ask for their forgiveness

Not wake up until I want to get up

Build a tree house and play with my kids there

Traveling to Tibet to Treasure Hunt

Do a live show at a radio station

Go on a whale-watching tour

Say “I love you” to my parents

Random Thoughts

“World Peace means everyone has the same ideas about resources, morality, or regulation.  However, men’s hearts differ just as their faces do.  Will they have the same opinion?  I think world peace is an unrealistic dream.”

“A Place in this World”

“I don’t know what I want, so don’t ask me

because I’m still trying to figure it out.

I’ll be strong and I’ll be wrong,

But that’s how life goes on.

I’m just a girl trying to find a place in this world.” 

-Moon

“This time is different.  The very moment I saw the delicate sleeping infant, carried in my cousin’s arms, an impulse of a mixture of feelings just hit me and set me thinking.  She is so small and fragile and innocent, but what will she be like in twenty years?  Will she be an ordinary girl into fashion, or will she be a thinker or a traveler, trying to explore the meaning of life and the truth of nature?  What role will I take in her life?  I don’t want to impose my thoughts upon her, but I really want to be the one that gives her not only flooding love but also wisdom and knowledge.”—Doris

“During daytime, I can preserve an appearance of nonchalance, but tension exacerbates emotions during the night, indisposing me to fall into a consistent sleep.  That tension is comprised of the intense competition with powerful opponents from better schools, as well as the expectation of my family and my own desperate desire to win.” –Doris

It's amazing how much they make me laugh, make me think, and make me want them to know the hope that I have.  :)