Boiled Chicken

 Boiled Chicken

Walmart

Henan Province, China

Spring 2012

Whenever I travel some place new, I always like to peek inside a Walmart because so many items for sale are cultural. As so, today, when I saw these skinny, white, flat, boiled chickens hanging from a hook, I took a photo but gave no thought to buying this product. I think the feet were a real turn-off to me.

Water Jugs- China- 2012

Water Jugs

A College campus

Somewhere in China

Spring 2012

In 2012, I taught for a few months in China. This university had the influence of the Western culture and my students often commented how much better our university was as opposed to other universities because we have hot water from 7PM to 11PM each night. And they could take a shower ever day if they want. I didn't quite know what they were trying to tell me.

Then I went to another universities and saw all of these thermoses lined up along the curb. I asked my students why students were putting their thermoses out there. This was the line used to keep their place in line to fill up their thermos for the day. This was their hot water ration for the day.

Carina- China- 2012

Carina

Sias University

Henan Province, China

May 2012

I was in China for 12 weeks, teaching leadership skills to college women. Carina was one of my students and she was a gem. 

When I was getting ready to leave China, I was overwhelmed with the fact that I probably would not see my students ever again. We had had an intense 12 weeks together and now it was over. That filled me with sadness.

But surprisingly, I have seen Carina several times since then. And we text and have had zoom meetings and I have watched her progress as she completed a Master's degree in England. And when she came to the USA to visit, I caught up with her in Washington, DC. And each time we part ways, I have to fight off the sadness that this may be the last time.

They Loved Obama

They Loved Obama

Sias University

Henan Province, China

Spring 2012

My students loved Obama. They knew nothing about him and the news they were receiving from their government was a little twisted. But they expressed a great deal of affection for him. But they also loved Moa.

Reading The News In China

Reading The News In China

Sias University

Henan Province, China

Spring 2012.

Most Chinese do not buy a newspaper. They don't have that kind of expendable cash. The country can't publish enough newspaper to accommodate the population. The paper couldn't be delivered at home as too many homes do not have addresses. And there is barely room for a news kiosk. So the newspaper is posts on a public boards and people line up and move from board to board and then move on with thier lives. 

Bison

 Bison

Cluster State Park

South Dakota

Summer 2012

They are magnificent, dangerous creatures and I am amazed at how many stupid people approach them for the purpose of getting a daring photo. These idiots get what they deserve when the bison attack.

10 Things I love About Teaching In China

I've had the opportunity to teach leadership skills to college women and I just loved it. These young women were so filled with passion and vision and this opportunity changed my life forever. It's left a lasting impact on me.

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10 Benefits I Received from Teaching Leadership to College Women:

1. Renewed Hope for the Future
   Their energy, passion, and bold vision for the world reminded me that the future is in good hands.

2. Inspiration from Their Courage
   Watching them step out of their comfort zones to grow as leaders inspired me to do the same in my own life.

3. A Sense of Purpose
   Knowing I was helping shape their journeys gave deep meaning to my work and reaffirmed my purpose.

4. Personal Growth as a Leader
   Teaching leadership sharpened my own leadership skills. 

5. Meaningful Relationships
   I developed strong, lasting connections with many of these young women who continue to enrich my life.

6. A New Perspective on Leadership
   They  taught me to see leadership in more inclusive, collaborative ways.

7. Increased Confidence in My Voice
   Standing before them, sharing my journey and insights, helped me embrace and trust my own story more fully.

8. Joy from Giving Back
   There’s a unique joy that comes from mentoring and empowering others.  It filled me with hope.

9. A Deepened Commitment to Equity
   Their stories of overcoming obstacles opened my eyes further to the importance of access, equity, and inclusion.

10. A Life-Changing Experience
    This opportunity transformed me, as a teacher, mentor, and human being.

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Why I Love China

 Why I Love China

Spring 2012

Fall 2015

Having had the privilege of teaching in China on two separate occasions, I can say without hesitation that this remarkable country holds a special place in my heart. My experiences there were not only professionally rewarding but personally transformative. China is a country of contrasts, ancient yet modern, vast yet intimate, and it has left me with memories and connections I will cherish for a lifetime.

The most profound reasons I love China is because of its people. From the moment I arrived, I was met with kindness, warmth, and genuine regard for humanity. Whether it was my students, colleagues, or strangers on the street, I was continually touched by the generosity and sincerity that seemed to flow so naturally from everyone I encountered. Even in the simplest interactions, a smile from a passerby, a helping hand when I was lost, or a thoughtful invitation to share a meal. I felt embraced by a community that valued human connection.

The Year of the Dragon 2012

 I was teaching in China at SIAS University in Henan Province, China.  I was teaching leadership skills to college women.  It was the year of the Dragon so I adopted a chines name, Long Nv.  I was the Drgaon Lady.

Vicki

Facebook Post

We used to see each other every day for 11 years when we worked together.  Now I hear from here every two to there years and her message is the same:

 Vicki Murphy-KendallBridget E Kelly

November 26, 2012  · 

You look damm good!!!! I am in Guanajuanto...getting ready to leave for Gudadlajara, Merida and Cuzumel for 2 weeks. I participated in a tri in Veracruz last month.....having a ball. I will be home Jan 9th. Where are you? Will you be home in January? Maybe we can get together?

FA:  I'm so jealous of you and Bridget! I wanna travel and look like a model!

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Noodles And Friends

Noodles and Friends

Henan Province, China

Spring 2012

They wanted to take me to lunch and pay for it.  It was hard for me to accept their heartfelt, generous offer because I knew they had very little money. I wanted to pay but they weren't having it.  They wanted to thank me for being their teachers. So off we went to a food court at a mall and they took me to the kiosk that just sold noodles and we sat in the corner and shared bowls of noodles and moments of friendship.

 

Somewhere in China- 2012

The Long Cave

Somewhere in China

Spring 2012

 

Hurricane Sandy

 Facebook Post

This post was made two weeks after Hurricane Sandy hit Long Beach Island, NJ and destroyed much of the island.  It took several years to bring it back to its origin beauty.

Bridget E Kelly

November 15, 2012  · 

Shared with friend

I got on to Long Beach Island today. What a sad mess.

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Mike Dolio

I hope everyone you know is safe!

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Bridget E Kelly

everyone is safe and that is all that really matters. how did Uncle Mike's fair?

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Jill Potter

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