Showing posts with label #China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #China. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The Bund- Shanghai, China 1994


 I haven't been back to Shanghai since this photo was taken in 1994. At that time, there were no cars on the streets, just thousands and thousands of bikes, dodging the pedestrians. Now, people tell me there are no bikes on the streets, just cars, thousands and thousands of them, dodging the pedestrians.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

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.

Monday, February 23, 2026

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.


Friday, February 20, 2026

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.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Chinese Classrooms



Chinese Classroom
Somewhere in Rural China
Spring 2012

These are sad, sad, sad classrooms. No kid in the world should have to go to a school that is so gloomy, uncomfortable and ugly. There are little to no resources of paper, pencils, books, maps, art, music or anything else to promote humanity. It's just dreadful. But this school is teaching everyone in the village. But in spite of all these poor conditions, these kids are learning English.


 

Saturday, November 29, 2025

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.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Bunn- Shanghai, China- 1994


 In 1994, there were no cars on the Bunn.  There was no room for them because of the thousands and thousands of bikes in the street. Now, there are no bikes on the streets becasue there are so many cars.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

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. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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.


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.


Tuesday, June 10, 2025

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.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Tai Chi


 Tai Chi

Shanghai, China
April 1994

We got up bright and early this morning to wander the streets in search of a Tai Chi group we could join. Hundreds and hundreds of people were out there doing all sorts of movements. Some groups were so acrobatic that I could barely watch them. 

And then we found our group.  These two women were standing in the park, side by side and vigorously rubbing their faces until they were beet red. And so we joined them and I felt invigorated.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

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.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

BackIn China

 Facebook Post

Back In China

November 2015



Bridget E Kelly is in China.

November 9, 2015 
Shared with Public
Arrived safely in China and have already met with my students in The World Academy for the Future of Women. I regret that I will only be here for the month.

D P N
Amazing. Have an amazing trip!

E T
Loving the pictures. I'm sure you will make the most of that month. Enjoy.
D Metz
Enjoy your time over there..

DMetz
Your photos are amazing!

DG



   What an experience! Enjoy and be safe.

Jacki Budicker VanGorden
We can't skype. Bill Lowenburg said we could try videoconferencing through Google Hangouts. You would need to have a laptop or computer with Chrome on it and he could help make it happen.

R T
Be safe and tip a sake for me󾌸

S W
You are making me homesick

W Hughes
Do you speak Chinese?

Bridget E Kelly
No, do you?

Wi
I can say, chicken lo mein.

Bridget E Kelly
perfect, i'll use it.
PHoy
Fantastic…and ENJOY! What a blessed bunch of students to have you with them for any length of time! ðŸ˜‰
M Reis
Have a great time - enjoy!

KLewis
Glad you arrived safely! Have a great time!!

CField
You are an amazing woman Bridget Kelly. A credit to your wonderful parents!

CCharlotte
I´m very very glad for you bridget.