Marianne Lourdes Lenor has been teaching students in Suizhou City in Hubei, China for 13 years now.
The adventurous Palawan native, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), only has good things to share about working there.
“It’s so inspiring, fulfilling to teach there. My students are so eager to learn and they’re very sweet. They’re very respectful towards me. I also taught here for several years before I decided to try my luck there and I could say that I’m very happy with my decision,” Mary told us during a recent interview as facilitated by Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro and FFCCCII Board Member and Public Information Committee Chairman Wilson Lee Flores as held at the Kamuning Bakery.
She would go on to crow about the kindness and generosity showered upon her by the local community there.
“Everyone was so welcoming and kind,” Mary shared. “They allowed me free reign in how I approach teaching.”
As if to emphasize how good it is there, Mary related how her employers shoulder everything including her board and lodging.
She has seen significant growth there since.
“Our area is quite modern now, there are lots of malls and parks and the place is so beautiful and peaceful too,” she maintained.
“When I went there in 2012, we only had two schools—one middle school and one primary school. Now, we have five, including a kindergarten. But we don’t have a high school yet.”
Mary is hoping that her story would inspire other educators to join her there.
“A Filipina also recruited me to work there years ago. Now, I’m the only Filipino there. It’s been a while and I’m hoping that I would somehow inspire others to work there,” she said.
Given the ongoing tension between China and the Philippines relating the West PH Sea, it is so refreshing to learn about a Filipina thriving in China.
If ever, Mary is open to the idea of someone making a documentary or a feature film relating her experiences there.
“If only to expose others to new possibilities if also to erase fears and doubts,” she said.
“Our country and China have forged a bond built on centuries of trade, friendship. I believe in the strength of that friendship. I hope it continues to flourish for generations to come.”
