Chinese Pathway Workshop

The Confucius Institute University Canterbury recently held their Chinese Pathway Workshop on Friday 5th of August. With over 60 year-10 high school students from Aidenfield Christian School, Burnside High School, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Lincoln High School, and St Thomas’ College, along with University of Canterbury students in attendance.

Chinese Pathway Workshop attendees

 

The event was opened with a speech from Dr Zhifang Song, before guest speakers Nathan Taylor and Sam Brosnahan shared stories from their own experiences – with topics ranging from how learning Chinese allowed them to connect with many people on a deeper level, to Chinese language opening many doors in their careers, and strengthening relationships. Students were given a ticket at the start of the day, and throughout the day, three lucky draws were held that engaged all the participants. After a quick ice-breaker, the event began with a lucky draw, with three sudents winning a Chinese souvenir.

Dr Zhifang Song (CIUC Director) delivering the opening speech for the Chinese Pathway Workshop

Nathan Taylor and Sam Brosnahan, both past Chinese graduates from UC, spoke to the students. Having travelled to different parts of China and gaining a grasp of the local language (Mandarin), both speakers emphasised that total emersion in China was a pivotal point for their language improvement. They expressed how as a result of knowing Chinese, many doors opened and as such they had been able to have a number of great experiences. Due to their previous travels and immersion in China, Sam and Nathan said they could bring Chinese into their further fields, with Nathan becoming the CEO and Co-Founder of Technology Company, Partly, and Sam becoming an ANZ Senior Associate in the Private Banking Division. Both Chinese UC graduates showed the students the importance of Chinese and the opportunities that can come when you pursue and not give up. Sam also expressed his dream and vision for encouraging his further learning Chinese – expressing how he wanted to be able to connect with his grandma; a dream realised with his study of Chinese in a way he never had when growing up. Their experiences and the opportunities that came their way showed students the doors that Chinese unlocks. Sam and Nathan alluded to the fact that many jobs require native English speakers to know both Chinese and understand the more subtle nuances in English. Before breaking for lunch, another two lucky participants won a special prize.

Breaking into three groups for the afternoon, students went to experience some Chinese culture activities. First up was CIUC teacher Weibin Zou, leading Jeopardy, a knowledge quiz, with the excitement of earning points along the way. The game had the students split into teams, competing against each other. The atmosphere was competitive and full of energy. Next up was Tai Chi Fan, a martial art that may look simple but takes a lot of skill and practice. Led by CIUC teacher Zhengnan Shen, all students were involved, having a great time and learning the basics and the art of following instructions, creating an incredible sight. Finally, chopstick challenges were led by UC Chinese Programme Lecturer Nancy Chu. The activity involved picking up ping pong balls and marbles with chopsticks moving these down the line to the other end of the room, and taking M&M’s from one bowl to another. Again, the energy was competitive, and brought the student a lot of fun and enjoyment, with chocolate at the end as a bonus. The day concluded with another lucky draw, with one participant winning the top prize.

St Thomas’ College learning Tai Chi Fan as part of the Chinese Pathway Workshop

The Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury team were very pleased with the highly successful Pathway Workshop, and are very grateful to all participating schools.

Izaac Wilson

Zhengnan Shen