China: In My Eyes
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I have read many articles and opinions about China during my long life and often wondered if the respective writer had ever been to China, or for any length of time? So many writers seem completely unaware of the truths about the China of today. I have now spent five years teaching at a university in Wuhan, a city of about nine million on the mighty Yangtze. I have taken the time during those five years to travel to 32 provinces and 80+ plus places to date. I have discovered that I know my way around China, am very comfortable going almost anywhere and speaking about that particular area culturally or historically and have much knowledge to share. I have become an “old China hand” in terms of understanding this fascinating country and its wonderful people.
I write this in the hope and belief that it will help the reader to understand some basic truths about China and will also inspire a desire to come see this fascinating country first-hand, to learn about China for yourself. Socrates said the pursuit of knowledge is life’s highest quest. Come spend some time in today's China.
I realize some westerners may not agree with many of my observations or comments. Some of my Chinese friends may not agree with many of my observations or comments. Such is the nature of human thinking. The observations and comments are mine and mine alone. The categories they are placed under are mine and mine alone. I claim full responsibility for my decisions.
These are my thoughts and memories of my years in China. It’s not a “fact-filled” professional journalism report nor is it intended to be. It is simply my observations and experiences along with my feelings and opinions about those observations and experiences. At times it may seem somewhat self-glorifying. It is not meant to be so. I say certain things and relate stories as I do simply to help the reader understand why I have come to so love this country and the people. Redjade, a young girl in the classic Chinese novel, “Moment in Peking,” said that writing is the conversation you have with yourself when you are lonely. This is my conversation. I hope it will provide food for your own thought and conversation. My thoughts may or not be 100% accurate in the reality. However, they are 100% accurate in the respect that this is China: In My Eyes.
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About the Book
Most Americans and people all over the world have grown up with an image of China that is vastly different from what is the real China of today. The author, a "senior" American" has lived and taught in China for five years and, through his teaching and travels all around the country, tells the story of those incredible five years. What he experienced, discovered and learned during that time will at times have you laughing, smiling, thinking, wondering or amazed at the China of today. Some stories may bring tears to your eyes. Whatever you may think and feel as you read this fascinating tale, you will thoroughly enjoy "China: In My Eyes."
About the Author
Robert L. Stanelle
robertstanelle@yahoo.com
Known as a visionary change artist who has built teams and developed superior departments and programs worldwide, Robert has expertise in both the corporate and educational worlds of recruiting, teaching, training, counseling and developing effective leaders. He has extensive travel and cross-cultural knowledge supporting his outstanding presentation skills, having lead workshops and seminars worldwide. He has also served in positions of leadership for several professional associations.
With a bachelor’s degree from Ball State and masters and doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee, all in the field of education and leadership he has worked in teaching and administration at several universities in the USA plus taught or lectured in six countries on four continents in addition to once directing the recruiting efforts for a Fortune 100 company in America. He has spent approximately half his career in human resources and half in education with proven ability to adapt to and communicate effectively across a variety of cultures.
Following his first “retirement,” he came to Wuhan, China, and for five years served as the English Program Coordinator for the Department of Postgraduate Affairs at Wuhan Textile University, where he revolutionized the English curriculum for students seeking their master’s degrees. His first book, A Comprehensive Postgraduate English Curriculum, now serves as an important university textbook in China. He has now entered his second “retirement,” of mostly traveling, speaking and writing.
Finally, he is also a published songwriter and photographer plus plays quite a good game of ping pong!