Student 6: “Today is officially the last day of YBB and of teaching! We have come so far… :’). No matter what, I’m going to miss this experience. First, we had our final performance. We, as a class, performed “shi yi nian” very well. I am very happy for my class, and I wish absolutely the best for them. After that, I went to the classroom to say one last tearful goodbye to our students. I love them so much, and I hope that their future is better. Finally, we went to a local restaurant for Dinner. And now, it is the End. Goodbye YBB, you have forever changed my life.”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 7: “This trip has definitely taught me to look at life more positively and be more grateful because these kids have very little for them but are so energetic and happy all the time. I’m definitely also going to miss all the other YBB members as we spent the last month together doing basically everything. It’s gotten to the point where talking about the bathroom and pooping is quite normal. I do hope the relationships that were formed here can continue when we hit back to the states.”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 6: “While others may groan, I, however, have secretly hoped for Mrs. Teng. I just feel that Mrs. Teng can really help us to keep our spirits up. We are almost done, but most of the teachers, including me, have become exhausted from all the tireless teaching we do.”
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Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 4: “Today was a rollercoaster of ups and downs. First class started off well and full of energy. We watched Monsters Inc. on the laptops and the kids loved it! They laughed at the funny parts and yelled at the scary parts. Afterwards, we went outside, and ended up competing in activities such as pull-ups, racing, and high jumps. Afterwards, things began to go downhill. The kids wouldn’t listen to us and they began making fun of us. We ended up deciding to discipline the children. I think we made the right decision because after they actually began to listen to us. I wonder how things will go tomorrow.”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 7: “I can’t believe how fast and slow time has passed. Fast because we only have three more days left to teach, but also because I feel like I’ve been here for more than a couple of weeks, maybe even more than a month. What I’m going to miss here in China is the cheap prices for food, and being able to buy fake products that look so real like fake ray-bans. What I’m going to miss is the scenery with the river and mountains was absolutely breathtaking. They took us to a Muslim Chapel where it was filled with some of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen and the temples were built so beautifully.”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 2: “A lot of great things happened today, they might’ve been the best. I taught morning classes like usual, but had to make the announcement to my students that I would be switching over to middle school. My students left me with a huge farewell hug, which was really heartwarming. I also got to shower again, so that felt really great. I played with my friends and ping pong with some local students. I didn’t have to teach in the afternoon or evening, so I got some time to relax. Overall, it was a really fun and relaxing day.”

Edited by Justin Zhou

Student2: “I got some solid bonding time with my students. Overall, today was the day we really connected the teaching went normally, but today was the first day that the students performed the well- known ritual of picking teachers up and carrying them across the courtyard. Though it was mildly terrifying, I appreciated the love of my students towards me.”
 
Student 7: “After 3 days of teaching here in Gansu, we were given a much needed break from teaching, due to the kids having to take a test today. At first, it was great being able to have to do nothing and not worry about anything related to teaching, but it soon hit me how boring it was and how much I miss seeing my kids and teaching them. Although it may have seem like it was the best thing ever, but in reality I wouldn’t trade a teaching day for a free day. However, I did get to finish a lot of my journals in that free time, but it would have better to at least see my kids at least once.”
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Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 7: “Even though I still have trouble walking today, I still think I should help out my group and teach today. The kids were super understanding and caring and helpful when I came back. Some of the kids asked if my foot was feeling better, some ask if it still hurts and some even helped me walked to places. Especially during free time when they went out to play, so many of them gathered around me to grab one of my arms to help me out so I can play with them. During the end of the day, a group of girls even picked me up and carried me to a seat so I didn’t have to sit on the ground. Another one of them went out to the store and bought me some soda because she thought I was thirsty. I’m just in love with how caring and sweet the kids are here, even though they have very limited items and live in such poor conditions. It would kill me to have to leave them on the last day. I’ll just enjoy it while this last.”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 1: “Once we got to class THE KIDS WERE SO CUTE. Our class was huge, but no one was too rowdy, so everything was ok. One of the students gave me a rainbow loom bracelet that they probably made in class but whatever. Lunch was also better than I expected. We actually got meat! I still haven’t had those flavorless noodles that I’ve been told about. The afternoon classes were interesting. We taught the students how to do origami, which they enjoyed”
 
Student 2: “Today was the successful first day of Gansu teaching. Originally, we weren’t supposed to be teaching on day 1, but the plan changed, and we were in the classroom at 10 in the morning, teaching English. The morning session was fast and easy, and I really got to know the students fast. I’ve already felt the beginning of a strong bond between us, but I look forward to continuing our relationships inside and outside the classroom.”
 
Student 2: “In class, we taught English, fitness, and art. They all went really well, and today was the first day I let loose a little. I presented myself more as a friend, than a stereotypical teacher. In the afternoon, I was switched to class 2, which was really hectic at first, because everyone was hyper. After I threatened to call their teacher, everything went back to normal. In the evening I received the responsibility of collecting journals, which is a good opportunity for me to show my organizational skills. I also played some ping pong before evening classes, which I was left undefeated (yay).”

​Edited by Justin Zhou

Student 3: “I am just focusing on the fact that with every kilometer the train travels, I am closer to seeing my kids again.”
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Edited by Justin Zhou