My first week of school was one of frustration and anxiety. The frustration was due to the registering process. I spent a great deal of time in great many queues. I have no doubt that my school, Beijing Language and Culture University, endeavored to streamline the process with helpers directing hallway traffic and answering questions. Large placards detailed every paper and other items needed for each line. I am just that guy. You know that guy – the one who seems incapable of standing in line. No because I am incapable of reading the instructions, just incapable of following them.

In addition to standing in line, I also had a 2-3 minute conversation with a teacher that placed me in the Upper Elementary level. She wanted to place me in the Lower Elementary (the lowest), but I talked her out of this. I was really nervous during the conversation and stressed. I spent about a week in this level and on Friday, I changed to Lower Intermediate. I was extremely nervous about this switch, even though I found the Elementary class to be of little challenge. I understand literally just about everything the teacher said.

Today, I had my first class from this level. It was 中国文化 (Chinese Culture). The teacher spoke pretty quickly, but I understood at lease 75%, if not more. It was an interesting class. It was partly history and a great deal of detail on China’s minorities. I really enjoyed this class and look forward to more of it. Tomorrow, I am having an HSK class (teaching the Standard Chinese Language Test) and a regular class for the level I am now in. I still remain nervous because I, as always, doubt myself. The nervousness my also be because I have to go to the hospital tomorrow for my required physical exam.

I will definitely include an update of how the classes go tomorrow.