As part of my job I have to interview new teachers. One of the things I ask them to tell me their story of what happened when Covid came on the scene. It gives me an indication of how they think and perceive the world- whether they are positive people and saw it as an opportunity to try new things and grow, or whether they just complain about how difficult teaching online was and about the school they were working for at the time. There are no right or wrong answers but it does give me a feel for them.
One of the things that some people mention is family- either that they were glad to be able to spend more time with them or that they haven't been able to see them in a while. International teaching can be a nomadic existence and family is important as it is an anchor for troubled times and gives a feeling of safety and home when thought about. I haven't been back to the UK since July 2019 so it is nearly 2 years since I have been able to hold and hug my family. During that time my father has had a stroke and 2 heart surgeries, my brother-in- law has been seriously ill and there has been all the other things that family go through.
I have 2 sons in the UK- 19 and 21. I'm proud of them but sons, especially those of that age are notoriously rubbish about keeping in touch. I feel like I am nagging every time I message them and ask them to keep in touch at the end. I just miss them really. Daughters tend to be a little better at that sort of thing so luckily I have 2 daughters here with me in China.
Family are important and it is easy to take them for granted. I always video chat my parents every Sunday just to see how everything is going and to share what is happening with us. Hopefully we will be able to see each other soon, China is talking about relaxing the borders next January/ February so hopefully I will be able to pop home at Chinese New Year. I know many of the readers here on publishOx are younger than me so all I wold like to say is that if you haven't spoken to your family for a while just phone or message them to see how they are doing and tell them you love them. You never know what will happen in the future and that is one regret I wouldn't wish on anyone.
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