Wechat (Weixin) Views

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Wechat (Weixin) Views

As September 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the start of this semester. With classes back in session, I’ve had the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It’s been especially refreshing to make friends with the freshmen—many of them are full of excitement as they begin their college journey. They’re easy to spot around campus, especially before their military training ends, since they’re required to wear uniforms that set them apart. As a foreigner, I seem to catch their attention quite often. Many have told me they’ve never had the opportunity to speak with someone from another country, which makes our conversations all the more special.

Li Xiaoyu (Freshman student with the military uniform)

My role as a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. Many of the friendships I form at the university are with students who never actually become my own. Still, when I connect with a freshman and help them believe that—with consistent effort—they can achieve strong English skills by the time they graduate, the impact is profound. The rewards of mastering English are both financial and social, and I’m here to support them on that journey. I’ve had the privilege of helping several students already, and it brings me immense joy.

Last week, I celebrated my birthday on Thursday, September 25. To my surprise, I received a cake on Saturday—something I truly hadn’t expected. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I ended up sharing the moment on WeChat. The response was overwhelming in the best way. Not only did many people reach out, but I also reconnected with old friends who had graduated years ago from the universities where I taught before moving to Zhengzhou. It was a heartwarming reminder of the lasting connections built through teaching.

Me and LouYike next to me and a cake

LouYike, pictured next to me above, was the one who surprised me with a birthday cake—and I truly appreciated it. When I first arrived in China back in 2018, I assumed my birthdays would feel lonely. I had no family here and didn’t know anyone at the time. But thankfully, there are always kind and thoughtful people like LouYike who make sure the day doesn’t pass unnoticed. I never expect anything—just a simple birthday wish would be enough—but more often than not, it comes with a cake, candles, and singing. It’s those gestures that make all the difference.

One of my old friends who reached out to wish me a happy birthday was XuRui, whom I met in Jiujiang back in 2020. We became really good friends during that time. He often joined me for walks around Lushan Mountain, which is near the university there. XuRui graduated a couple of years ago, and I still remember him as one of the students with truly impressive English skills.

XuRui and I recently caught up over a video call to reminisce about old times. We talked about many things—life, work, and how much has changed. He used to teach IELTS, but has since left that job to pursue a freelance career. He definitely has an entrepreneurial spirit, and while going solo can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding if done right. XuRui is a smart and capable person, and I’m genuinely cheering him on as he takes this exciting step forward.

Another thing that stood out to me is that XuRui has been in a relationship for two years now. I shared some thoughts with him—these days, it often feels like many people only want to date someone who already has a stable job, a car, and a house. So when you're still a university student without those things, it can be hard to find someone who truly sees you for who you are. That’s why I told him: if she started dating you while you were still a student, that’s a very good sign. It means she values you for who you are, not for your money or success. A girl like that is rare to find, and it’s just one more reason I think he’s incredibly lucky. I’m genuinely happy for him.

I also told XuRui how lucky he is—not just because his girlfriend is very cute, as you can see in the photo, but because their relationship seems genuine. I shared a story with him about a couple I met here in Zhengzhou. I even taught a few classes at their English school, which they run out of their own apartment. They had converted several rooms into classrooms. The wife told me that her husband had lost his job, and it was her idea to start the school since she speaks English well. Now, they work together to support their family. If she had only been interested in money, she might have left him—but she didn’t. They’re still together, strong and united, raising two beautiful children. You can see the love between them. They’re a wonderful example of a happy couple who understand that marriage is a blessing when built on the right foundation.

His answer after sharing the story with him

 That’s why I believe XuRui is heading in the right direction. If you’re reading this, XuRui, I genuinely wish you all the best. You deserve it. You were a great student, and I’m confident that will reflect in your life after graduation. Don’t get discouraged—life always has its bumps, but those challenges can’t hold good people down.

Teaching as a volunteer at that couple´s school (from the story I shared with XuRui)

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Sep 2025