An 'American Dream': Teacher Yu goes from rags to riches
(Xinhua)Updated: 2006-10-30 09:58
He still tries to find time to enjoy hobbies such as reading, writing,
traveling, and some "dangerous sports" like horse-riding and single-board
skiing.
"I yearn for the idyllic life of intellectuals in days gone by
-- writing, reading, traveling and drinking with friends."
Even as his
Chinese dream takes shape before his eyes, he still dreams of going one day to
the USA. When he retires, he hopes to study philosophy or literature at an
American university, exploring different cultures.
What special talents
did Yu have? When he was a student, he was good at sketching Chinese and world
maps with clearly marked provinces and countries. He dreamed that one day he
would visit all those places. He also boasts a remarkable sense of direction,
which often makes him the guide when he visits new places with his friends.
The students and teachers enjoy making fun of Yu, who has become a kind
of guru in the New Oriental schools. Stories, genuine or false, circulate among
classes to help students stay awake.
When asked what Yu's favorite hobby
is, students answer "telegraph poles -- just like dogs!" Yu has happy memories
of the early days of the school when he would post advertisements on telegraph
poles.
Another joke concerns Yu's supposed weakness in accounting. When
his school earned 100 yuan on its first day of operation, Yu gave teacher A 40
yuan and teacher B 40 yuan and said "the rest is mine. The rule will not be
changed."
The teachers thought Yu was very gullible. However, when the
school went on to earn 1,000 yuan a day, Yu still gave teachers A and B 40 yuan
each and said "the rest is mine and the rule will not be changed."
Galloping on the back of a racing horse in the Beijing suburbs is one of
Yu's favorite methods for relieving tension.
But while he is fond of
horses, Yu tells China Features that he feels temperamentally closer to the
slow-paced and good-tempered camel.
"A camel can walk a long way in
difficult conditions. Running a career is similar to a trek through desert.
Career success means walking from one oasis to another. It calls for camel-like
perseverance and a good sense of direction."
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