7 Years

I do not remember exactly what I was doing 7 years ago today, but I know I must be packing. 2004 Seotember 09 was the day that I decided to leave Canada and to come to Hong Kong to begin my teaching career. It began as a 5-year plan, but now I am starting my 8th year tomorrow here in Hong Kong.

Despite the number of years that I have already spent in Hong Kong (minus all my traveling times), I still miss Canada a lot and long for my summer vacation to visit friends and family back home. Having said this, these past 7 years have allowed me to become somewhat comfortable staying in Hong Kong (not including the weather).

Perhaps, one of the things that helped me to return to this busy city year after year must be CDNIS. I remember at the opening remark for every year, the Head of School will always say, this is literally home away from home for most, if not all, staff. Whenever I step inside the school building, it is like I have entered a time-machine of some sort and it takes me directly from Hong Kong to Canada. Yes, at the end of the day I know I am still in Hong Kong physically, but I think it is the environment that allows me to engage into an atmosphere that I am quite familiar. Just as some of my friends have always commented, I have never left Canada even when I am here in Hong Kong.

These 7 years have been very worthwhile and have been more than just exciting. Looking back, I travelled a lot, studied a lot, learned a lot, and grew a lot. If I have a second chance to redo these 7 years, I am not sure what I would have chosen to do during that summer of 2004.

As I am about to begin my 8th year here in Hong Kong tomorrow, I am ready for more changes and challenges. I look forward to travel to more exotic places, to begin doctoral degree, to meet new friends, and to plan for my future.