Hailing from a small town in Oklahoma USA, English Teacher Devione Harris shares his story on how he left America, lived in South Korea and now resides in China
Name: Devione Harris
Country of Origin: The United States of America
Occupation: English Teacher
Years in China: 4.5 years
How did your journey in China begin?
My interest in China started when I was very young. Seeing kung fu movies and Chun Li from Street Fighter really sparked my interest. After graduating university, I had an opportunity to teach and learn in South Korea. I saw it as a brilliant idea because I needed something new and it would be my gateway to China. After 5 years, off and on in South Korea, I was finally ready to move to China although part of it was because of a long-distance relationship with someone who was living in Shenzhen at the time. When I did arrive in China, nothing went as expected as the relationship ended within 2 months. Although it did get the best of me, I decided not to let this situation ruin what I had worked so hard to accomplish.
What do you like most about your city and China as a whole?
The first city where I lived was Hangzhou. My goodness what a diverse city it is. My favorite thing was the contrast especially of the mountains with the tea fields and the rest of the city. I literally felt like I was in the countryside while in the tea fields.
Currently I reside in Shaoxing which is a huge step down from Hangzhou. What I like about Shaoxing, particularly the Keqiao district, are the locals I’ve met and become friends with. Everyone has quite a unique story. Also driving in the countryside makes me feel so happy and at peace
A famous Buddhist Statue he captured during his travels in China.
My overall experience in China has been fascinating. From the Shanghai skyline, the food in Xian, and the diverse scenery, to name a few, China isn’t what I expected at all. I will say that what I’ve seen and experienced has been worth my while. I do look forward to exploring even more when the chance arises.
Some background on his hometown
Similar to the countryside in Keqiao, my hometown in Oklahoma is also very quaint. I feel we have more livestock than people. A fun fact, since the mid-1990s, the population has been 7,000 somehow. With that being said, I feel that’s why I feel at home in the Keqiao countryside.
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