#closingremarks

7/22

During the last day of class before the closing ceremony I was the head teacher of the class because Alex was occupied sorting books. Every year on one of the last days we have a water balloon day in PE class. I continued that tradition. After polling the class on which game they liked most, we divided each grade into Sharks and Minnows and Soccer. For the second half, we ran wild with water balloons. What always starts as a mild water balloon toss, ended up, like usual, as warring chaos. To other teachers: I apologize for sending wet children into your class. The QiaoQi kids loved our class today and I’m happy that we made their day.

With this year and my career as a teacher coming to a close, I am filled with a bittersweet feeling. Teaching the children here is heartwarming. The tangible impact that we make on their lives is amazing and has drawn me to return, year after year. I have loved seeing the students grow over time into the people they are today. This trip has changed me, just like how Jim (from 5th Grade) has progressed from a eager but stuttering 3rd Grader into the incredibly outgoing and competent camper he is today. Over my years here I’ve learned self-reliance, leadership, and, obviously, a lot of Mandarin. I’ve grown from the self-conscious 7th grader into the man I am today. And so it’s with great sadness that tomorrow I will say goodbye to this camp for the last time. 

To Mrs. Lee and everyone who helped make this dream come true: I eternally grateful for everything you’ve done. To Kathy: ACE could not run without your help. To the current QiaoQi Campers: it’s been an honor to be able to return and help teach you guys one last time. To Alex: you’re the best roommate I could ask for.  To Mrs. Gonzalez: good luck running this trip next year, I hope it’s even better than before. To ACE’s first years: I love ACE and it’s made a huge impact on my life. I want this program to live on. I charge you, the future veterans, with continuing our traditions and this program for years to come. We’ve accomplished amazing things so far and I want nothing more than for ACE to strengthen with time. It’s been an honor to be a part of something so impactful these past years. It’s on you now, first years, you must make this carry on. This is my final post.

This is Taggart Bonham signing off as Social Media Correspondent and Webmaster