🎬 Phases of a FINAL EXAM – The Movie You’re All In! 🎬
🎞️ Scene 01: The Attendance List & The Mysterious Camera
The moment the students walk in, they’re greeted not only by me but also by… The Camera! 🕵️ Yes, I installed one, and guess what? Almost everyone takes a sneak peek at it. Maybe it’s curiosity, maybe it’s nerves—or maybe you all think you’re starring in a reality show! Either way, before the exam begins, you must sign the attendance list. One signature to mark your presence... and a glance at the camera for dramatic effect. 🎥✔️
🎞️ Scene 02: The Sacred Instructions
Ah, the golden rules! 📜 I explain the path to exam success (and survival):
Phones OFF – Not silent. Not screen-off. Not pretending-it’s-off. It must be completely turned OFF and placed on the desk. Many forget this, and well… you’ll see what happens in Scene 04! 📵
Vocabulary section – Use numbers to match the words and meanings. No lines, no spaghetti drawings on your paper, please.
End of test protocol – Sit tight and wait for me to collect your paper. You don’t just get up and walk out like it’s a movie theater. 🎬🍿
🎞️ Scene 03: Test Distribution – The Calm Before the Storm
Tests in hand! All instructions have been given. Now the mission is simple: 📝 Write your name, class, and university number! I can’t magically guess who you are when correcting the test. If you want your grade, give me the info! I’m good, but I’m not a mind-reader. 🧠🔮
🎞️ Scene 04: Phone Patrol – Teacher vs The Tech Ninjas
Now comes the action scene: me vs. your smartphones. 📱🕵️♂️ I walk around checking if phones are actually off. That day, eight of you were caught with phones still ON!
Some of you get crafty:
You dim the screen so it looks off. Sneaky!
One student told (claim) me his phone turned on “very very fast”… the moment I picked it up to check (and press the button) the phone turn itself ON look liking it was ON already. Latter I asked him for video proof that was the case. He made a great video—Hollywood-level editing—but if you watch closely, he cut the video to make it look like the phone turns on instantly. 🎬🪄 I gave him credit for effort (and creativity),but remember this: fooling your teacher may work today, but in a future job interview, only real English skills will get you hired.
So… just study, okay? I’m on your side.
🎞️ Scene 05: The Great Exit Drama
The test is over. Yay! But suddenly… everyone wants to leave at once. 🚪 I take my time collecting the exams. Why? Because if you all leave together, you start chatting, sharing answers (yes, I know!),and the quiet test room becomes a loud subway station. Be patient. You’re almost free. Test days always end earlier than class. You’ll survive a few more minutes.
🎞️ Scene 06: The Final Heroes – Sorting Stars
After the last student leaves, I always get help from a few kind souls who stay behind to sort the tests by class and number. You are my MVPs! 🏆💪 It makes grading smoother, and I really appreciate it.
🎞️ Final Scene: A New Contract & A Simple Message
Yes, I renewed my contract. 🇨🇳 Why? Because I love teaching here, and because I believe in you.
My goal isn’t to fail anyone. I want you to succeed. But remember: I can’t learn English for you. I can teach, support, encourage, and sometimes entertain—but you have to do your part.
Let’s keep learning, laughing, and growing together. 🎓🌟
The whole video (uncut),our complete day at the wansui mountain will be at the end of this article.
Last Saturday was not your average weekend — it was an unforgettable rollercoaster of fun at Wansui Mountain Park! From the moment we arrived, we were swept up in a sea of excitement (and people — so many people!). But thanks to our amazing supervisor Amanda, who took care of us like a pro, we managed to catch a few fantastic shows amidst the crowd. Shoutout to her awesome assistants, Lemon and Gabi, who helped keep the chaos organized and the vibes high.
I ended up in Gabi’s group — she’s as sweet as her name sounds and probably got a little tired of us trailing behind her like ducklings all day. At one point, I even accidentally turned my solo explorer mode on and got completely lost for an hour. But hey, it turned into an unexpected mini adventure! I discovered some cool spots on my own and felt like a true adventurer.
The park itself? Huge! And as a foreigner, everything felt fresh and fascinating. Sure, I didn’t get to see every show, but honestly, that didn’t even matter — the best part was chatting with all the friendly Chinese visitors, especially the adorable kids who were super excited to talk with us and take pictures. I became a bit of a celebrity — especially among girls dressed in stunning hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing). They looked absolutely magical, and I couldn’t resist snapping a bunch of photos with them!
Our group was made up mostly of brand-new teachers from the university. I was the only “veteran” around, but trust me — I never get tired of these kinds of activities. Meeting people, enjoying the atmosphere, and soaking in the culture is my idea of a perfect day. The Chinese people are always so welcoming, polite, and curious about us — and I just love every conversation I get to have.
And if that wasn’t enough to make the day amazing, Amanda surprised us with a delicious dinner to wrap things up. We headed home with full hearts and even fuller bellies!
Most of the other teachers already sent their big thanks to Amanda in our activity WeChat group, but I was waiting until my video was ready to share. So now, in this post, I just want to say: Amanda, Lemon, and Gabi — THANK YOU! You three were absolute legends. You organized everything so smoothly, even doing the boring behind-the-scenes stuff like queuing for tickets and arranging appointments. None of that went unnoticed. You basically babysat us like champs — and we truly appreciate it.
Eu parei de escrever meu diário regularmente depois de alguns meses desabafando sobre meu divórcio em 2014. Não deveria ter parado, mas, sem enxergar muita perspectiva no futuro e desencantado com a vida, fui deixando as páginas em branco…
Alguns anos depois, já na China, nasceu meu blog dentro do meu website de ensino. No começo, era apenas um espaço para compartilhar dicas de inglês como segunda língua, estratégias para manter o idioma vivo e conselhos práticos para estudantes. Mas, pouco a pouco, esse espaço foi se transformando: minhas experiências pessoais, minhas opiniões e até minhas memórias começaram a ganhar lugar entre os textos que eu postava.
Talvez tenha começado porque eu sempre recebia as mesmas perguntas dos novos alunos na faculdade. As dúvidas mais frequentes viravam posts, e esses posts se tornavam respostas prontas para quando a mesma questão surgia novamente. Com o tempo, percebi que o blog era mais do que um recurso pedagógico: era uma nova forma de diário. Cada acontecimento importante, cada reflexão que eu queria guardar para o futuro, virava um texto. Era como se eu estivesse escrevendo não apenas para mim, mas também para deixar um rastro de quem eu sou e do que acredito.
Entre meus posts, há um que fala sobre o preço de morar fora. Nele, explico que o custo não é financeiro, mas emocional: perder o convívio com irmãos, pais e familiares próximos. Esse é o verdadeiro preço. Quando vim para a China, meus filhos já estavam nos Estados Unidos com a mãe. Minha mudança não foi a causa da distância deles, mas sim um recomeço após o divórcio. E que recomeço! Foi tão inesperado e transformador que não consigo deixar de acreditar que o Pai Celestial me trouxe até aqui por um propósito maior. Hoje, sete anos depois, vejo com clareza: meu trabalho não é apenas ensinar inglês, mas inspirar uma nova geração a ser melhor, a viver com honestidade e integridade. É como se eu estivesse em uma nova missão, tão significativa quanto a que vivi em 1990-1991, na Missão Manaus (A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias)
Mas hoje escrevo com o coração pesado. Poucas horas atrás recebi a notícia de que meu irmão mais novo faleceu. Ele havia passado por uma cirurgia de coração aberto, que correu bem, mas complicações inesperadas o levaram de volta à UTI, onde acabou partindo. Deixou esposa e dois filhos pequenos.
Esse é o preço de morar longe: não estar presente nos momentos mais difíceis.(e nos alegres também)
Hoje, o preço de não estar perto da família é muito alto...
E essa não é a primeira vez que isso acontece. Há poucos anos, meu pai faleceu (eu já estava na China). Duas semanas atrás, minha tia faleceu também. Ela tinha mais de 100 anos e morava com minha mãe. Sempre que eu ia ao Brasil nas férias, visitava-a. Meu pai já estava muito doente, lutava há dez anos contra o mal de Parkinson, e minha tia tinha 101 anos. Apesar de a morte quase nunca ser bem-vinda, nesses casos já era esperada. Mas no caso do meu irmão caçula, eu não imaginava que a última vez que conversaria com ele seria numa chamada de vídeo, poucos dias atrás, quando falamos sobre sua cirurgia e recuperação.
Todos temos falhas, mas as lembranças que ficam são as boas recordações. O Glauco sempre foi um bom irmão. Tenho gratidão por tê-lo tido como irmão. Minha vida foi melhor com ele do que será agora sem ele. Eu e meus dois irmãos servimos no mesmo tipo de missão da qual falei há pouco. Hoje, meu filho está realizando esse mesmo serviço (Missão Nova York 2024-2026). E se o que pregamos for verdade, isso significa que há esperança de que um dia nos reencontraremos.
ENGLISH
I stopped writing in my journal regularly after a few months of pouring out my feelings about my divorce in 2014. I shouldn’t have stopped, but without seeing much perspective for the future and feeling disenchanted with life, I gradually left the pages blank…
A few years later, already in China, my blog was born within my teaching website. At first, it was just a space to share tips on English as a second language, strategies to keep the language alive, and practical advice for students. But little by little, that space began to change: my personal experiences, my opinions, and even my memories started to find their place among the posts.
Perhaps it began because I was always receiving the same questions from new students at the university. The most frequent questions became posts, and those posts became ready-made answers for when the same question came up again. Over time, I realized that the blog was more than just a teaching resource: it was a new kind of diary. Every important event, every reflection I wanted to keep for the future, became a text. It was as if I were writing not only for myself but also leaving a trace of who I am and what I believe.
Among the posts, there is one that talks about the price of living abroad. In it, I explain that the cost is not financial, but emotional: losing the daily closeness with siblings, parents, and other loved ones. That is the real price.
When I came to China, my children were already in the United States with their mother. My move was not the cause of the distance from them, but rather a new beginning after the divorce. And what a beginning! It was so unexpected and transformative that I cannot help but believe that Heavenly Father brought me here for a greater purpose. Today, seven years later, I see clearly: my work is not only to teach English but to inspire a new generation to be better, to live with honesty and integrity. It is as if I were on a new mission, as meaningful as the one I served in 1990–1991, in the Manaus Mission (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
But today I write with a heavy heart. Just a few hours ago, I received the news that my younger brother had passed away. He had undergone open-heart surgery to place a valve, and the operation went well. But unexpected complications brought him back to the ICU, where he eventually passed away. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
This is the price of living far away: not being present in the most difficult moments (and in the joyful ones too).
Today, the cost of not being close to family feels very high…
And this is not the first time it has happened. A few years ago, my father passed away (I was already in China). Two weeks ago, my aunt also passed away. She was over 100 years old and lived with my mother. Whenever I went to Brazil on vacation, I would visit her. My father had been very ill, battling Parkinson’s disease for ten years, and my aunt was 101 years old. Although death is almost never welcome, in those cases it was expected. But in the case of my youngest brother, I never imagined that the last time I would speak with him would be on a video call, just a few days ago, when we talked about his surgery and recovery.
We all have flaws, but the memories that remain are the good ones. Glauco was always a good brother. I am grateful to have had him as my brother. My life was better with him than it will be now without him.
My two brothers and I served in the same kind of mission I mentioned earlier. Today, my son is carrying out that same service (New York Mission 2024–2026). And if what we preach is true, that means there is hope that one day we will meet again.
Seizing the Moment: A Cultural Exchange to Remember
Today, I had the pleasure of attending a cultural presentation at the South Campus of our university. It was an exciting event that brought together students from China and Australia, who were visiting as part of a short-term exchange program. The atmosphere was lively, and the talent show was both entertaining and heartwarming. Performances ranged from music and dance to humorous skits, all highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity and collaboration.
One thing that truly stood out to me was the host of the event. To my surprise, it was an old friend of mine! She recently won a university speech contest about two months ago, and I couldn't help but wonder if that achievement had anything to do with her role today. When I spoke with her after the show, she smiled and said, “Yes, winning the contest definitely opened some doors for me.”
It was clear to see how that one success had boosted her visibility on campus. She's not just a familiar face now—she's becoming a role model. Hosting today's event is just one of the many opportunities she’s been offered since her speech contest victory.
Why am I sharing this? Because her story is a perfect example of how effort and initiative can create amazing opportunities. Success doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when preparation meets opportunity. And when you say “yes” to those opportunities, more tend to follow.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I see her involved in even more projects in the near future. And if she’s smart (which I know she is),she’ll document these experiences—like today’s event—as part of a growing portfolio. These experiences will set her apart in the job market, showing future employers that she’s not only skilled in English but also active, engaged, and confident in real-world settings.
To all students reading this: don’t sit on the sidelines. Participate! Whether it’s a speech contest, a cultural event, a workshop, or a student club, each experience helps you grow. You never know which opportunity will be the one that launches your next big adventure.
So get involved, challenge yourself, and say “yes” more often. Your future self will thank you.
🎓 Life After College: Reality Check or Comedy Special? Let’s Talk About It! 🎙️
Hey everyone! Today’s lesson was not your usual grammar drills or textbook shuffle. We dove into a brutally honest (and absolutely hilarious) topic: Life After College. 😱🎧 Yes, I played a sound clip for my students that hit hard and real, and honestly? I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I've been talking about these topics for years—make the most of your university years, don’t waste time, dating etc... sound familiar? Well, the guys in this audio clip delivered the message with a punch of humor and a big dose of reality. So buckle up, students—this one’s for you!
INSTEAD OF READING THE TEXT BELOW, YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE…
Text of the sound clip “Life after college”:
“What’s up, guys? Hope you’re doing well. So today I’m going to be talking about what happens after college. A lot of my friends they always say: “Oh, I can’t wait to graduate.” “Man, I can’t wait to get out of here.” “I just can’t wait to start my life.” You need to sit down. You need to take a seat, ‘cause you have no idea what you’re wishing for.
This video is a warning. It is a warning that I wish someone would’ve told me when I was in college, ‘cause nobody told me! Maybe you just graduated from college, maybe you’re in college now, maybe you didn’t even go to college. Regardless, we can all benefit from what I’m about to tell you.
So you just graduated. You walked the stage. Your family was there. They were cheering all loud for you. Maybe your uncle even brought one of those bullhorns that wasn’t allowed. But since then, the hype has calmed down and you’re met with the first realization after college: you don’t have a job. Now unless you’re an engineering major or a science major, you’re probably not going to get a job offer right out of college. I want all of you to do something right now. Name the first restaurant that comes to your mind. You have a better chance of working there than you do getting any type of job related to your major. The chance of you getting a job related to your major is the same chance of you being selected as tribute for the Hunger Games. Either way it’s kind of a lose-lose if you think about it. All of this doesn’t matter, because you know what? You need money. And so you take whatever job you can find, because honestly, the rent’s not going to pay itself, bringing me to my next point.
After college, you have a choice to make: Am I going to move back in with my parents? Or, am I going to waste money monthly by spending money on an apartment that barely accommodates? If you move back in with your parents, you may lose all freedom that you previously had. They might treat you like a kid again. You’ll probably have to start doing chores again. That’s not a good look with the ladies. If you own your own place, you’ll have your own freedom—to buy ramen noodles every day—’cause that’s all you’ll be eating ‘cause you’ll be broke as a joke. Also, not a good look with the ladies.
And since we’re talking about ladies, let’s expound upon relationships after college. You may think to yourself “Oh, I’ll have more time. I’ll be able to go out.” False! Here’s the reality of the situation: dating options decrease dramatically after college. If you don’t happen to get a job at the aforementioned restaurant of your choice, there’s a good chance you’ll be the youngest person in the company that you’re at. These other people at your job won’t understand you or your lifestyle, they won’t be attractive, but they will have children. And they will talk to you about their children, who, you care nothing about.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “I’ll just meet people when I go out. I’ll just meet people when I go to the gym.” False. You don’t have time to go to the bar. You don’t have time to go workout. You’re so tired after work, all you want to do is go home, eat dinner, and go to sleep. You have to be at work early. There’s traffic in the morning. Traffic! And you want to go downtown on a weekday? Are you stupid? Are you dumb? So you don’t go out as much, so you don’t meet anyone. You don’t go to the gym as much, so you start gaining a little bit of weight, or a lot of bit of weight, all while working at some job that you could care less about.
To make things even worse, now you have to pay back your student loans, ‘cause you’re not a student anymore. In addition to this, you have to deal with dumb college students making Facebook statuses about how miserable their life is ’cause they have to study for a biology test. But by far, the worst thing that happens after graduation is you realize that your parents were right. Your parents have probably already told you everything that I’ve said in this video. It’s just the fact that they’re your parents that you didn’t listen to them, because college is the best years of your life.
Now it may seem like I’m painting a very pessimistic view of what happens after college, but honestly, this is what has happened or is happening to a majority of people. You get a job that you hate, you get fat, and next thing you know you’re forty years old wondering, “What the heck happened with my life?” But there is a way out of this and only one way for those of you who do heed my warning. The only way to get out of this, the ONLY way to get out of this, is to turn your passion into your career. I’ll say it one more time. Turn your passion into your career. Don’t turn your passion into your job, turn your passion into your career, and then you’ll never work a day in your life. I mean it’s either that or start making YouTube videos, otherwise what happens after college will happen to you. This is a warning. Don’t graduate early.
I mean, what do you guys think? Do you think I’m being too harsh? False. Or do you guys think I’m being too real? Leave a comment down below. I respond to all comments on my website. Subscribe if you’re new and don’t forget: Press the like button. New videos every Sunday. No Jugamos Juegos. Throw me the alley.”
💡 The Big Message: Turn Passion into Career
Now don’t panic! The clip isn’t all doom and gloom. It ends on an empowering note: ✨ Turn your passion into your career. Not just a job. Not a side hustle. A career you love so much, it doesn’t even feel like work.
The speaker reminds us not to rush through college, but to savor it, use the time wisely, and build something meaningful before that graduation cap hits the floor. 🎓🔥
This lesson spoke straight to my soul. I’ve written about this many times—how university life is one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have to grow, explore, make connections, and prepare for a future you’ll actually enjoy.
Don’t be that person who wakes up at 40 asking, “What happened to my life?” Be intentionalnow, while you’ve got the time, freedom, and energy!
📝 Ready to test your comprehension?
Here are a few True or Falsequestions to reflect on the clip (and maybe laugh a bit too):
1) Most college graduates immediately get jobs related to their major.
2) Living with your parents after college means gaining more freedom.
4) After college, you’ll have plenty of time to party and hit the gym.
5) Student loans don’t need to be paid once you graduate.
6) People at your job will totally understand your vibe and lifestyle.
7) Turning your passion into a career is the only real way to escape the trap.
8) The speaker encourages people to graduate as early as possible.
9) College is actually one of the easiest places to make friends.
10) Your parents might have been right all along (ouch!).
🎤 Final Thoughts
Was this clip too harsh? Or just way too real? I want to know what you think. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s start a real conversation. And remember—university life is short, but its impact can last forever. Make it count. 💥
How to Get a Girlfriend: Try the Photographer Trick 📸🌹
Okay, so here’s another spicy take on how to maybe—just maybe—get yourself a girlfriend.
Let’s be real for a second. Marriage rates are plummeting all over the world. And honestly? I get it. As someone who’s been down the aisle before, I’ve got my fair share of battle scars. Would I do it again? Sure... if I meet the right person. But I’ll admit, the idea still gives me a little PTSD. 😅
Now here’s the thing: I keep bumping into students who’ve already slammed the door on love, romance, and anything remotely resembling effort. They're not even trying! And that, my friends, is the biggest regret waiting to happen. It’s far better to try and fail than to spend years wondering, what if?
So let me tell you what I witnessed a few weeks ago—a masterclass in subtle flirting.
At the university, there’s this magical road lined with roses that bloom once a year. Naturally, girls flock there for those dreamy, Instagram-worthy pics. It's basically the Coachella of floral photo ops. 🌹📷
Enter: One clever guy with a camera. Now, was he a pro photographer? Doubtful. But he was playing the role like a champ. He wasn’t just snapping pictures—he was fixing her hair, helping her pose, adjusting angles, gently guiding her into the perfect shot. Touching her shoulder here, tucking a strand of hair there. Smooth. Real smooth.
Was she his girlfriend? Maybe. Or maybe he was just shooting his shot—literally and figuratively. Either way, she seemed to enjoy the attention, and he got more than just good photos out of the deal.
Moral of the story? If you’re the shy type who’s always looking for the perfect excuse to start a conversation with a girl... try this. Get yourself a camera and start offering your very professional, totally-not-an-excuse photography services.
Worst case, you take some great pictures. Best case? You walk away with more than just memories. 😉
.jpg)
