Rarefactions: by Andrés Melo Cousineau

 

EMAILS CHINA CORONAVIRUS SITUATION

AND WORK OPPORTUNITY

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ACTUAL ORDER

 

EMAIL NUMBER FIVE

EMAIL NUMBER SIX

EMAIL NUMBER ONE

EMAIL NUMBER TWO

EMAIL NUMBER THREE

EMAIL NUMBER FOUR

 

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NUMBER FIVE

 

FEBRUARY 27th 

 

Hi xxxx,

 

Hope you and yours are continuing to do well under such serious circumstances.

 

Have monitored the situation in China constantly, and have seen the worldwide spread of the virus develop.

 

As always, though I could write a one-line email, I have taken the time to reflect on the situation and to share this reflection with you and those at xxxx. I write so because those dying daily in Wuhan must never be forgotten, nor must their horrendous deaths ever be in vain.

 

Truly the “golden period of containment”, the crucial period in which any viral spread can be contained, was lost in China. It is, without a doubt, the responsibility of China to understand the reasons why such a golden period was lost. Recognizing one’s most fundamental weaknesses is what great leaders do. Not the contrary. True leaders are proactive, not reactive. And, isn’t that what education is all about? Including education at xxxx?

 

In this regard, I must confess I cannot but marvel at the attitude by Chinese Officials here in Canada, and elsewhere, with regards to extending the visa entry date. Leaders understand that special circumstances require special reconsiderations, especially if the ¨leader¨ has been the primary cause of the disruption! One wonders whether anything will be learned.  Not to mention the Chinese Visa Centre’s words when they called me to inform of this decision. Will not repeat them! Unfortunately, the “Méi Bàn Fǎ” attitude, is extremely powerful.

 

Individuals in China have had to make the best of a horrendous situation. Such discipline in the face of adversity should surely make it possible for China to come together to find solutions to its most fundamental issues. As I mentioned repeatedly in all my interviews to work in China, China must move beyond education for the “Gaokao” and “IELTS-preparation” towards a kind of education that sees empathy and problem-solving as the core to a better future for all. If China does not continue to bridge the gap between its ¨haves and have-nots¨, among other things, this will not be the only epidemic.

 

Now, if you have seen my resume, it clearly shows that I had to stay indoors for about a period of 2 years as I could not walk and only slowly recovered though I was told I would never walk again in my life. 2 years! Wow. So I think I know a little bit about what the Chinese are going through right now. I learned a lot about illness and many other things. Hopefully, the Chinese will too.

 

As regards xxxx in particular, I must also confess that I am sorry to see this opportunity slowly disappearing on the horizon. Though I have nothing but good things to say for the efforts, you —xxxx—- and also xxxx and xxxx have gone through during these last few months  (I am very thankful and hope you never felt pressured by me in negative ways). I also wish Meten had proven to be more proactive and much less reactive. To think of critically tragic situations using the concepts and practices of normal situations only creates further disbalances. For instance, xxxx could have though of grater flexibility in its conditions. But that is not for me to say.

 

Of course, I am sure xxxx now has its own problems at ALL levels, even and perhaps more seriously, at the economic one.

 

Having said this, as I told you I would give you a final response towards the end of February or beginning of March,  I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that this visa entry will have to be lost with what all that implies for me at different levels. There are really no solid conditions to be able to begin a new project in a new country under these circumstances.

 

However, I will continue looking for the opportunity to teach in China as, I hope you have seen from my emails, China is of great concern for me as a teacher. Perhaps it will be through xxxx, of xxxx finds ways to make things possible, or perhaps through ISAC or even EF, or other institutions that may be interested in teachers like me who both respect China, but are completely against the “Méi Bàn Fǎ” way of life because it is founded upon a view of life as TRAGIC. Life and learning are not tragic, they are joyful and lead to profound happiness in oneself and others.

 

I myself have gained SO MUCH in the process already: 1) have improved my spoken Mandarin extensively, 2) have digitalized all my ESL exercises fully, 3) have completed several courses on blended education and started the creation of my own, 4) have truly learned about China beyond the facade, 5) have continued to improve in many crucial areas, and finally, 6) have shared what I learned in my period of illness with others who are going through difficult times themselves in health-related areas.

 

Finally, and please forgive me, I will quote Confucius. I have indeed worked hard to try to understand him and will try to continue to do so, and have also dedicated decades to reading and studying the greatest thinkers in the West a well.

 

Confucius said:

 

“2.15 The Master said, “If you learn without thinking about what you have learned, you will be lost. If you think without learning, however, you will fall into danger.”

 

2.16 The Master said, “Working from the wrong starting point will lead to nothing but harm.”

 

(Analects, Slingerland translation, and the very good course on Confucius: https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/books-that-matter-the-analects-of-confucius.html )

 

Let us hope we all learn to think and think to learn. And let us all work from the right starting points, especially if we have political, economic, material or managerial power. For what is the point of having all these if they cannot even avoid the most basic tragedies?

 

Thank you for the opportunity and let us hope a new one appears on the horizon so that a teacher like myself can one day visit China and humbly try to share the few things I have learned along the way.

 

 

Have a great day in China and please say hello to all at xxxx (xxxx, xxxx, xxxx).

 

 

Andrés

 

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NUMBER SIX, LAST EMAIL

 

MARCH 2nd 

Dear xxxx,

 

Thanks for your email. Hope xxxx can deal with such a complex situation as best you can.

 

Do forgive me once again for my very direct and serious previous email. Unfortunately, I am that kind of person who cannot but be transparent as to how I think about life and live my own life. I am a teacher. I people like myself do not say anything, then who exactly does? And you know, I truly believe China needs more people who speak this way.

 

I will most likely try to get a new visa for China in the near future. However, as the situation is becoming so complex beyond China itself, including Japan and South Korea (not to mention the astounding silence by North Korea), to the point that even the Olympics in Japan might be seriously affected, then it definitely does not make sense, for now, to rush into going through the whole prologued, expensive and slow process of Chinese visa acquisition. it is very tiring. And it becomes tedious. Really. Hopefully, this process will be seen in a new light given this tremendous crisis.

 

What does China gain from making it very difficult for those who want to experience, learn from it and share a bit of knowledge from our western narratives which are so diverse themselves? I believe China should learn much humility from this crisis. I am not sure it will. Actually, one wonders what the consequences into the future of not having used my visa. And yet, solutions are always available and EASY to do. And yet.

 

 

 

And for sure, we ALL should learn much. And we must admire China for its impressive values, including its discipline, work-ethic, and continuous strength to overcome very difficult realities.

 

Mandarin is the seventh language I have tried to learn in my life. Can you imagine? I will continue learning it. I have a special and difficult to understand desire to teach in China. Hopefully, it can come about this year. I have two countries that I call home, Canada and Colombia. I love them both with all my heart and mind. Both can teach China much! Hopefully, China can be a third. But I wish to have the best memories of China, and to begin my journey under the best of conditions. Beginning a journey in a beautiful way truly makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. And yes, Hangzhou is SOOOOOO beautiful. I will always dream of photographing it.

 

But now the question is not merely about China. It is about what will happen in the next few months globally. Many epidemiologists worry about COVID-19 reaching countries in Africa. Among many other things.

 

So realistically, April seems too soon. Hopefully, all experts are wrong and hopefully greater stability will come quickly. I am thinking that if my heart is into going to China, I will look into July, August or September.  But perhaps things will clear up very quickly and this too might be reconsidered.

 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my emails. Let us hope we can make this connection with xxxx a reality in the next months. I will continue to hear offers from xxxx and elsewhere until I find an opportunity in which I see a person like myself would really feel happy and connected with a group of people who love learning and see in learning the greatest good we have as humans.

 

Please send this email to xxxx, xxxx, and xxxx. And once again, thank you for trying to make this possibility happen. Let us take a LONG deep breath, and ESPECIALLY think of those who are dead or dying or will die, of the reasons for such a disaster, and of the nature of leadership both in cases of crisis, BUT MORE importantly, as the ONLY guarantee of real happiness in our lives. I think the people of Hangzhou really KNOW what I mean.

 

Let us speak towards the middle of April, and see how our lives have moved along.

 

Andrés

 

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NUMBER ONE

 

 

JANUARY 27

 

Dear xxxx,

 

Hope you REALLY are doing well.

 

This is a very difficult situation for China. It will require its citizens to really work together in order to find short-term and long-term solutions to these complex situations. But China has a history of overcoming very difficult situations. Perhaps this Spring Festival may have brought all of you together in ways that “normal celebrations” just really cannot. And I know Hangzhou is a leader in finding options for China´s future. Times such as these require true leadership. I am sure Meten is part of this leadership.

 

First off, as I mentioned in previous emails, I hope you, your family and all at xxxx(xxxx) are well.

 

Second, after having read your email, it has become clear that the situation has escalated rapidly and must be monitored with great intelligence. We all wish for things, but reality sometimes reminds us to make sure these wishes do bring about true success.

 

More concretely, will look into the option for rescheduling the flight via Air Canada. I am glad I chose Air Canada and it seems to be very conscious of the current situation in China. I will let you know what the options are. Will also let you know as to the change from Shanghai airport to Beijing airport and then to Hangzhou Airport. And perhaps it might be best to think of March so as to make sure the complex and truly dangerous situation you are all facing has been dealt with as best as possible. Some options would be something like March 4th or March 9th. We shall see.

 

Of course, it is not easy for me either in terms of re-arranging schedules, cancellation of services, and such, but will do so and take advantage of these weeks —as I always do— to further develop skills and connections here in Toronto.

 

To repeat, will let you know about the flight change in the coming days.

 

Take care of yourself and yours,

 

Andrés

 

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NUMBER TWO

 

 

FEBRUARY 4th 

 

Hello xxxx,

 

Doing really well. Hope you are as well. Hope you are coping well with the very very tragic situation China is living day-to-day. My heart goes out to China.

 

I wish your short email had also provided an update on the actual situation regarding the difficult situation China is going through. As you and xxxx are actually living the situation, that would be of great importance, even essential. But it did not.

 

Have not booked a new flight yet, as trying to plan long-term new projects under circumstances such as the current ones, is obviously a task that is challenging if one is not in the actually already in the place where the events are taking place.

 

As you know, Air Canada and other international airlines have stopped flying to China, at least for the month of February. Fortunately, Air Canada, in the end, pushed by many citizens, decided to refund our flights. Reports here show how the situation has escalated dramatically as well as how an initial lack of immediate response and openness has brought about the increase in the severity of the situation. I am sure the, sometimes troubling,  foundational tendency in China of “not losing face”, is at the center.
As your email does not mention anything in this regard, I won’t delve into it.

 

I myself have taken the initiative to write to the Visa granting office here in Toronto asking whether the Chinese government will extend the Chinese Visas granted during these months, for the very reason  I stated above, namely, beginning long-term new projects under very serious circumstances such as the current one is, to say the least, not the normal. Concretely, if I rebook a flight and the conditions are not good in terms of flying to China then I will lose that money. Same goes for the Visa process itself.

 

I imagine xxxx is actually busy asking for similar, exceptional, reconsiderations. And I imagine the Chinese government will take appropriate actions with regard to those of us interested in working in China, and who have studied and respected your traditions for years now. I think this is just one of the lessons China and the Chinese must really learn from this dramatic situation that, still, is developing daily. China is in dire need of more good teachers and more good learners.

 

Do let me know more specifically, how you and xxxx and xxxx see how the current situation actually affects the actual teaching situation in Hangzhou and whether, although this situation is NOT normal by ANY stretch of the imagination, you believe the situation remains quite normal and no special revisions and reconsiderations are in order.

 

Hope you and yours are well,

 

Andrés

 

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NUMBER THREE

 

 

FEBRUARY 6th 

 

Hello xxxx,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Great to hear you are all doing well. Hopefully, life will be going back to normal soon for you soon.

 

Received news from the Visa Centre saying they will not under any circumstances extend visas.

 

I have monitored the situation daily and shared information with people in the health area here in Canada.

 

I myself have listened to over 50 long and serious videos analyzing the situation and nature of coronavirus. Many have impacted me. Like the couple who recently left Ningbo to go to Chicago. Like the young Irish teacher who was living in Wuhan. Like the British epidemiologist who generously shares his knowledge. Like the Wuhan doctor. And so many others.

 

Other videos have NOT truly impacted me. Especially the many more formal ones that forget about the people in Wuhan, the individual people, I mean. The doctors, the nurses and the ill, the dying and their families. Also not impacted by those videos that minimize the situation or avoid confronting the core issues.

 

Thank you for sharing the letter. Have read it. Foreigners must feel cared for in Hangzhou.

 

As one of the elements of the strategy the Chinese as a nation have developed is the 14-day period to try to get hold of the situation and thus start to try to begin normal activities once again  —and given the negative by Chinese officials to consider extending the visa for this exceptional situation—- then the best course of action will be to wait like everyone else is until those weeks have gone by and we have positive proof that the situation has become to turn around.

 

As the Visa expires on March 20th the options would then be close to that date, more like the 16th.

 

Let us hope that around February 17th —or thereabouts— the result of the difficult actions you have all had to take is a result that truly brings about the conditions for your own well-being both in the short-term and in the long-term. And then, by then, and following your updates, we can make a final decision as to dates and such. I would recommend sending at least a weekly update. We should think about together creating the conditions for a final decision by the end of February.

 

Take care of yourself and yours, as well as send my regards to xxxx,  xxxx and xxxx.

 

Andrés

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NUMBER FOUR

 

 

FEBRUARY 20th 

 

Hi xxxx,

 

Thank you for your email. I hope you and yours are doing well. Thank you for the teacher’s video. She seems to be making the best out of a very bad situation. Thank you for the links. Read them all. At least some light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. Also, I have actually listened to the WHO many times, though, like many including specialists, have sometimes really wondered at their words. Especially their first important broadcast.

 

Hopefully, things will continue to get better for all of you there.

 

Yes, March 20th.

 

Of course, I have been following all the developments. The tragedy for the people in Wuhan and Hubei is unthinkable and unimaginable, and so for all China. For sure this is only the beginning of a very necessary and prolonged self-critical look of the Chinese at themselves. Otherwise, the dead have truly died in vain. One should never accept the tragic as the normal;  among many other things one could say.

 

Actually, I have finished several courses on blended-learning during the last few months. Unfortunately, not interested in teaching online for now, particularly given the time differences between Canada and China.

 

Will take next week to see how things further develop and will give you a final decision around the week of March the 2nd. The reasons for this I have laid out in my previous emails.

 

Have a really great day,

 

Andrés

 

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