2007.07.19
Thursday
"Knock, knock. "Opportunity Said
It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I moved to Guangzhou. Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. The South. What I call a microcosm of the world. It's a little of Hong Kong, of my hometown of Manila, of China and the rest of the world. It's a convergent zone primarily for its geographical location. It's one of the Mainland's ports to the world, so to speak.
And now, it's what I call my second home. Nine months ago, I was based in another southern city. It's Guangzhou's little sister named Shenzhen. I have nothing against Shenzhen. It's a promising city. I loved my life there. 90% of my friends are there. Yet, there's a longing in me. Something like a calling. I couldn't pinpoint what it is at first. Yet an opportunity came one summer I was bummed out of bratty children called my students.
I was about to start my summer classes teaching English to expatriate children in an international school. Most of the children are in kindergarten and are also mostly Koreans with paranoid mothers. No offense to their race, but their culture of having their children study so much is the pits. Why can't they first and foremost let the children enjoy their childhood and socialize? Haven't they enjoyed their childhood? If they didn't, then there's no need to pass around misery and hang-ups. Plus, whatever drive they have for their children to be the best won't happen as quick as instant noodles. Each of us have our limits and not all are born geniuses like they expect.
That's besides the point. 75% of the class is Koreans and most of them are boys, bratty and really test my patience. However, going back to that particular morning, I suddenly lighted up like a Christmas tree when I got a message from Miss X about a prospect relocation.
So, the message goes: Hi. This is Miss X from the GZ campus. I got some news for you. Are you available for a meeting ASAP?
My heart beat faster...another city? Hmm...I dunno yet. My thoughts were racing all over. I mean, I'm pretty much established in Shenzhen. I'm active in my community. My social life is bustling despite my sheer annoyance to 90% of my students. On the other hand, maybe I should just try for the heck of it. The offer may be better and besides, Guangzhou is pretty near Shenzhen. I could shuttle back and forth during my days off. I was also thinking about the possibilities of freedom. I've had it with the homestay program anyway. Unfortunately, I also lived with a Korean family so the more miserable I am always adjusting to them.
Socializing, shopping and partying are my therapy for internal debacles. I usually find my sanctuary, my solace somewhere else than the four or so corners of our spacious apartment.
In response to Miss X's message, I consulted my roommate whom I shall call Jiejie (big sister) about it. She gave me a go and I replied to Miss X without any haste: Hi. That will be no problem, can Thursday at 10AM do?
Miss X and I set our meeting at 10:30AM on Friday so I started counting down the days from that Tuesday about this unexpected sudden turn of fate.
Everyone in Shenzhen practically advised me that when an opportunity like that knocks, take it. Otherwise, it won't knock again.