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Exchange student shares experience
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Nathan Wang graciously answered any questions that the second-graders had for him.
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After his discussion, Nathan Wang was asked to answer questions about China and draw many of the student’s names in Chinese characters. Showing off their names in another language were Will Blummel (left), Lily Baird, and McKenzie Hagerty.
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Wang told the Dobbins second-graders that he had always wanted to learn guitar, and took the chance when he came to study in America. To show the students what he had learned, he played guitar and sang along to the song “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
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During exchange student Nathan Wang’s power point presentation, he showed the Dobbins second-graders photos of his home, school, and even his family.
By SARAH FOOR
This year, Dobbins second-grade teacher Chris Roussos has taught many lessons, but also has taken time to learn from the people around her.
Her second-graders are always teaching her new things and she has learned something new every day from Chinese exchange student Nathan Wang, who she hosted in her home as he attended Poland Seminary High School. On June 2, Roussos brought her two worlds together and invited Wang to talk to her second-graders about his life in China and his year in America.
“Mr. Roussos and I have loved having him in our home, and we learned a lot from each other. People are more alike than different, even if they’re from another part of the world,” she told the students.
Wang showed the second-graders a short PowerPoint presentation about his life in China, explaining that he lives in a bustling city called Chengdu in the Sichaun province. He shared pictures of his family and their home and his school in Chengdu.
Throughout the year, Roussos has taught her students about Chinese history and the kids asked questions to Wang about his flag, Chinese New Year and the Great Wall.
Wang also had the chance to entertain. He invited the students to gather around as he completed a few card tricks and he also played guitar and sang for the group.
After the discussion, Wang followed Roussos back to her room and continued to chat with the second-graders. While drawing out the names of each of Roussos’ students in Chinese characters, Wang had a chance to consider what he learned in his year in America.
“I learned how American teenagers behave. They’re funny and crazy and they made it really easy to make friends,” he shared.
Roussos, whose own children are on their own, said the most important lesson she learned this year was about love.
“With Nathan, I learned that there is space in my heart for more than just my family. It was a really wonderful year,” she said.