My Inspiring Experience with the Students of Zeng Guofan School

My experience teaching at Zeng Guofan School (located in Loudi, China) was a huge source of inspiration for The Shan Academy. During my time volunteering there, I had the privilege of teaching an incredible high school class of 40 students, all aged 15-16.

What stood out most to me was how much they respected education and the learning process. Despite their intense schedules—studying at school from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.—they pushed themselves tirelessly. These students had a mindset of resilience that pushed them to keep going, no matter the obstacles. The dedication and positive spirit they showed in the face of such demanding work left me in awe. They were driven by more than just the desire for academic success; it was their unwavering perseverance and kindness that truly stood out.

During our time together, I taught them about confidence, mental health, and the power of believing in themselves. I encouraged them to dream big and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. It was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these discussions had on my students. After I left, I received heartwarming letters from them where they shared that they had never heard such kind and supportive words from a teacher before.

This experience was a turning point for me and deeply impacted my mission at The Shan Academy. It reinforced my belief in nurturing not just academic success but also confidence, resilience, and mental wellbeing. At The Shan Academy, we strive to create an environment where students are not only prepared for exams but are also given the tools they need to face life's challenges with confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset—just as my students at Zeng Guofan did every single day.