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Watching the kids grow from not knowing Chinese to reading stories using Zhuyin independently and expressing their gratitude by writing cards with Zhuyin makes me feel so proud and fulfilled.
Collecting all the lunchbox tags from our family’s five siblings. Kids these days have no idea what lunchbox tags are.
Cutting hair for others.
Don’t let the past steal your present.
Mucha’s The Seasons. Mucha’s works are a series of beautiful creations blending traditional art and modern graphic design.
Taipei Shilin, best known for the Shilin Night Market.
Hearing kids effortlessly use the Chinese they’ve just learned in class when chatting with friends, or receiving cards they wrote for me using the phonetic symbols and characters they’ve mastered—those moments bring me immense joy and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Don’t overthink, and don’t feel you have to be perfect at everything — just do your best!
Tamsui, New Taipei. It’s my father’s hometown, where I have so many childhood memories with my grandparents. Later, when I studied there, I had countless fun times with good friends. To this day, every summer I take my kids and parents back to Tamsui, making it a place full of beautiful memories shared across three generations.
Ximending, Taipei. I especially love the Red House building there. Beyond the creative and trendy shops lining the movie street, the diverse street food in the alleys is an absolute must-try.
At the end of the semester, parents told me, “My child has made so much progress in Chinese!”
And students said to me, “Ms. Lan, can you teach us again next year? Please, pretty please….”
Study hard and don’t let playing around get in the way.
Vancouver – beautiful mountains, beautiful waters, and beautifully… boring. Still, it holds the memories of my youth.
Taoyuan City, it’s home to Chiang Kai-shek International Airport.
Ten years of hard work for ten minutes on stage. Each week I feel more prepared and more grounded than the last. It’s the result of steady accumulation of skills over time – just sharing my humble insights.
Steady and calm behind the wheel, never rushed or anxious, always getting everyone safely to their destination.
Keelung — the place that pulls at my heartstrings, the root of where I come from.
Knowing that each of my students is walking the right path and not wasting their lives — that would be my proudest achievement as a teacher.
My father, because he is the most honest, trustworthy, and hardworking person I have ever known.
Being a dedicated follower of DCI (Drum Corps International).
Taipei City, known for its convenient and high-quality healthcare, its fast, clean, and orderly MRT system, and its hardworking, warm-hearted citizens.
At the end of the semester, when a student said to me, “Ms. Zhang, can you teach us again next year?” — I felt so touched and accomplished.
My mother is my role model. She speaks with wisdom and handles people and situations with grace and balance.
Believe in yourself. Be brave in pursuing your dreams. Perseverance will bring rewards.
“Invisible Wings”
Taipei City, famous for Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Din Tai Fung, Dihua Street.
When students show genuine interest in the topics I prepare and are willing to interact with me.
My favorite teacher was my high school math teacher. He always found each student’s strengths and helped them shine.
I can play the piano and violin.
Things will get better — they always do!
When students say, “Ms. Chuang’s class is really fun.”
Learn to persevere, but also learn to let go. Life isn’t about who goes the fastest, but who walks the steadiest.
Cheerful, open-minded, and full of quirky wit.
Hualien — known for Taroko Gorge, its deep blue ocean, “exploding” scallion pancakes, Hualien mochi, and Tzu Chi.
When students greet me with “Hello, Teacher!” as they enter the classroom, and say “Goodbye, Teacher!” as they leave.
I really liked one of my elementary school teachers. He would come over, kneel down beside me, and patiently teach me how to write.
Sister Wu of the SMIC, gifted with knowledge and talents, yet always humble, gracious, and selflessly caring for others as herself.
I enjoy “The Place Where Sunshine Yearns.”
My hero is Amy Tan. When I was growing up, it was rare to find books written by Chinese-Americans let alone books specifically exploring the experiences of a Chinese-American woman. Her books allowed me to better understand my roots, my parents, and myself.
I have 2. If I’m with my friends, my go-to Chinese karaoke song is “只對你有感覺” by 飛輪海. If I’m with my Grandma, we love to sing “風飛沙”.
My favorite city is Taipei! The food, culture, scenery and the Night Markets are amazing. There’s always something to do and new food to try. I love that everything is also within walking distance or you can easily get to with MRT.
As a child, my favorite meal was danzai noodles, but now I prefer Taiwanese beef noodle soup.
Seeing children apply the knowledge and skills they learned in class.
President Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama. I see integrity and principles in them.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Café Terrace at Night, because he was the first to paint stars as if they were moving and sparkling.
Hakka savory rice balls/sweet rice balls, and they are still my favorites today.
The graduation ceremony during the COVID year was held in the school parking lot. The children stayed in their cars and drove up to each class’s table. Teachers handed report cards and awards through the windows. What touched me most was that every student held up a big poster through their car window saying: “Thank you, Teacher!” That was the best gift I received that year.
Playing video games to unwind and relieve stress.
It’s not that studying hard guarantees success, but without education, you can’t walk a broader, farther path.
That I enjoy a simple, quiet life with healthy routines.
Ms. Lei. By maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude herself, she guided those around her toward the right path.
Don’t overthink.
Prague — romantic and mysterious!
Tomato, egg, and cabbage stir-fry – but only when made by my mom. Still my favorite today!
My proudest moments are when I can inspire students to identify problems, think independently, and truly gain knowledge.
Be brave enough to try new things, and learn to reflect and grow from those experiences.
A hardworking, disciplined friend who values building trust with others.
Jay Chou’s “Maple” and Hu Er’s “You Must Be Happy”
I would say Roger Federer is my hero – I grew up watching a lot of tennis and he was always my favorite player because of his sportsmanship and even-tempered nature.
I can do a pretty good cartwheel!
It would have to either be 童話 (Fairy Tale) by Michael Wong or Every Summertime by NIKI.
I particularly love Seattle because it is a nice mix of nature, city bustle, and suburban calmness.
Phone:973-857-8666
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School Location (Sunday):
150 Commerce Road
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Hours: 9:30 AM–1:00 PM Sundays
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Tzu Chi Academy was first established in Los Angeles in 1994 under Tzu Chi USA education department with a unique focus on teaching students Chinese language and culture and the practice of joyous giving by showing sincere compassion. Learn more
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