Ya-Ching Hsu-Kelkis

I really appreciated having the opportunity to participate in this year’s three week UVA STARTALK program. This opportunity not only has encouraged and strengthened me to be an excellent Chinese language teacher but also has given me opportunities to make new friends. Meeting new friends and exchanging professional knowledge of teaching Chinese with others has brought all of the participants closer as a team and even as a big community. Professor Tseng encouraged us to be more open-minded and to create a great learning/sharing community from the very first day of the program. We truly enjoyed sharing resources with each other. In addition, this program has given teachers opportunities to sharpen their skills. Through Professor Tseng’s lectures, teaching demonstrations supported with pedagogical methodology and practicum, I have been able to apply the best theory with actual practical applications and lesson usage. Most importantly, I have discovered my potential and believe in what I love and enjoy doing as a Chinese language educator: I am feeling refreshed and ready for my next challenge!