Places you go & people you meet . . .

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The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.

In the summer of 2006 I traveled to China for the very first time in my life. In addition to the technical and vocational challenges that I knew I would face I had a strong desire to get to know the people and culture of China in a much deeper way than just a visit. The people of China have proven to be friendlier and more interested in me (a westerner) than I ever was expecting. Because of that I have learned so much and experienced things I never dreamed of.

During my first month in Shunde I would walk the streets almost every day with camera in hand and eyes wide open. Being the only American in a city of 1 million it didn't take long to "stick out" and attract attention almost everywhere I went. On one of the sunny Sunday afternoons I was approached by a couple of 12 year old girls that stopped me and wanted to practice their English skills. One of girls named Annie seemed to really have a passion for learning English and also a million questions to go with her passion. We talked quite a while before she introduced me to her mother who had been quietly observing our conversation from a distance. Annie's English was quite good, but her mother spoke no English at all so Annie instantly became the translator. They invited me to join them down the street for a hamburger at McDonald's and we shared e-mail addresses. It was an interesting experience and as we parted I thought I would never see them again. Little did I know what lie ahead.

Over the course of the next couple of years I would get an occasional e-mail or phone call from Annie typically with an English homework related question. Her family invited me over for dinner in their home where I met her father who like me is an engineer. When my wife Janis finally arrived in China, Annie was one of the first people she wanted to meet. By this time Annie was a very bright and articulate 14 year old with an even stronger desire to learn English. Her vocabulary was really growing and we weren't really sure where she got her beautiful American accent. She has learned the language pretty much on her own through television (Sesame Street), reading, and movies.

So earlier this year when Annie called and said she was entering the China National Television (CCTV) Outlook English contest and wanted our help, we immediately volunteered to be part of her team. The contest has been going on for the past 8 years to promote learning English among students throughout China and contest are held in cities all across the country.

Her first contest was a local one right here in Shunde and she easily walked away the victor and moved on to the next round in Guangzhou. We knew this would be a bit tougher since Guangzhou is a city of 8 million and has a lot more foreigners. Once again she performed quite well and was selected among the finalist to move on to Shenzhen to compete for the southern China region.

Shenzhen is another major city in China that borders Hong Kong and there was plenty of competition there as well. The finalist from the competition would be selected to compete in Beijing in the finals. Since this contest was over a 3 day period Janis decided to spend the night and I had to return to work duties. Janis called 3 days later and announced, "We're going to Beijing." Annie would be 1 of 20 finalist to compete in the junior high division for the national championship of China.

We followed Annie on to Beijing which is 1200 miles away in the northern part of China. Once there we met kids from all over the country who had won in their region. Even some who had just recently survived the devastating earthquake. The competition and the contest were definitely going to be a lot tougher. Up to this point most of the contest had been prepared speeches written by the contestants. Over the next 10 days the contest would primarily consist of random question and answer dialogue between the contestants and the judges.

The hunger and desire to learn English among Chinese is growing like a wild fire. The younger generation is really making great strides in learning and practicing the English language. Many of the contestants had either lived or traveled abroad. This contest was made up of groups representing elementary, junior high, high school, university, & young professionals.

Well after hundreds of hours of competition throughout multiple cities and regions, Annie Ruan was named National Champion of the CCTV Outlook English contest for the junior high division. Quite an honor and accomplishment for a young lady that has pretty much learned the language on her own and never been out of China.

I've always said that life's most exciting adventures are the places you go and the people you meet. Fortunately for us we've been able to hang around here long enough to not only meet some new people, but to share a small chapter in their life as well. And so for now our friendship with Annie has become like a good book, we can't wait to turn the page and read the next chapter. We hope you've enjoyed reading and seeing a part of her story along with us.

One World, One Dream

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Photos

Annie & Celeste July 2006
My introduction to Annie was on the streets of Shunde as she and her friend Celeste approached me and wanted to practice their English.

Annie with her Coaches
At 12 years old Annie's English was already excellent. Now at 14 we are just polishing the apple a bit. Her vocabulary and American accent really make her stand out in the competition.

Proud Parents
Annie has very supportive parents neither of which speaks any English.

Celebration Dinner
Each victory wasn't complete until we had a celebration dinner (Chinese style of course). Here we are with Annie's parents and our friend Shirly.

1st Round Winners
Thousands of kids compete in the annual CCTV Outlook English contest that started in 2000.

Television Interview
Seems the interviews started from the beginning. Here she is at the very first contest in Shunde.

Beautiful Smiles
Annie has a very beautiful smile and seems to always handle the judges' questions without getting stressed out. A very mature young lady for 14.

Olympic Mascots
This year's theme for the English contest was the Olympic Games. One World, One Dream.

Jumping for Joy
Each round of the competition brought a new level of excitement for us all, especially Annie!

Competitors
In Beijing there were competitors from major cities throughout China. Chengdu, Shanghai, Si'An, Beijing, Shenzhen. Mostly girls and a handful of boys. Peter seems to be enjoying being the only guy.

Lights, Camera, Action
Annie always seemed very confident in front of the judges and bright lights of the TV set in Beijing.

Judges Feedback
This British judge commented on how much she liked Annie's American accent and asked her if she had ever traveled abroad. Annie's never been out of China.

Selecting 8 Finalist
The group of 20 was quickly narrowed to 10; then 8 & 3 before the final champion was crowned.

CCTV Television Studio
The entire contest in Beijing was taped at the CCTV television studio and will air nationally in July.

Great Friendships
Even though we don't speak the same language, our friendship with the Ruan's has been shared through warm smiles, hugs, and through the translation of Annie.

A New Generation
Annie represents a new generation in China that has become very confident in speaking two languages, and in her case doing it quite well.

One World, One Dream
Passion, hard work, a good coach and the dream has become reality. Annie Ruan - CCTV Outlook English Champion 2008.