Shi Fu – University of Hawaii (MA Science, Phd. Candidate – Economics) 

Reflection of Agilent – TWB China 2007 Project

Of all the team members in Hawaii, maybe I was the most excited and happy when I received the news of my selection for the  Agilent – TWB China 2006 Project.  Why? I was overjoyed that an education project was to be held in Chengdu, my hometown, where I was born and raised for over 25 years. Now I am a member of a talented team of professionals who will help to improve the level of education among my people.

As a student graduated from elementary and primary school in Chengdu, and later studying in the US for my Ph.D., I have a good understanding of the strengths and drawbacks of China’s educational system. There are big differences in educational systems between China and the USA. I know how enthusiastic and wishful the teachers in Chengdu schools are, especially in the rural schools, to learn the advanced teaching framework, methods, and skills from their USA colleagues; In time, I know also, that this project will benefit thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of students in Sichuan. 

Although I was happy and excited, I also felt apprehensive about being in the company of experienced teachers on my team. Thanks to the hard work and team spirit of our science team members, Harold, Carol, and Song, we made very good preparations for the upcoming training.  We met in Harold’s home for several times where we discussed and prepared the materials, designed the training plans and frameworks, and most importantly, had three rehearsals. These rehearsals helped me become more confident and finally I believed our science training would truly make a difference. 

From July 28 to August 11, our science team spent two weeks with 115 Chinese Science teachers from Dujiangyan Zhongxin Middle School and Yandaojie Elementary School respectively. We learned from each other. We worked together, ate together, played together, and laughed together. As Yunus wrote in an e-mail “I am convinced that their interest, their enthusiasm for listening and learning, and the questions they had, resulted in significant, meaningful, development and growth for all”. I believe our hard work, passion, patience, and enthusiasm paid off. As a member of our science team, I am very proud of the contributions we made to the Agilent – TWB China 2006 Project. 

There are too many things I enjoyed and will never forget. I will not forget Fred and Yunus, our Project founder and leaders, whose passion and enthusiasm for fulfilling their dream of improving the world’s educational level inspired me, whose hard work, great patience, and leadership in organizing and leading the Project impressed me deeply ; I will remember the busy and happy time Carol, Harold, Song and I spent in preparing, designing, and discussing teaching materials ; I will remember Harold and Carol‘s diligence, conscientiousness, and patience. They were always the first to arrive to class and the last to leave the classroom.  The collected trash, cleaned the room, and prepare the next day’s materials ; I will not forget the joy, happiness, and excitement we shared with Chinese teachers when they received their certificates at the graduation ceremony ; I will not forget Lao Wu and Mr. Shi’s inspiring speeches, ambitious dreams, impressive laughing, and generous support of the Agilent – TWB China 2006 Project. And I will long remember the joy and laughter of all when we were eating at the Beijing Duck Restaurant and Thai Food Restaurant, hiking and playing in Qingcheng Back Mountain, visiting Wolong Big Panda Base, etc. Surely, there is much more I will remember forever. 

I am thankful to Agilent Foundation and TWB for giving me this valuable opportunity to serve my hometown people. As a resident of Chengdu, I am grateful to all my team members for the contributions they have made to improve the level of education. I am hopeful that Agilent Foundation and TWB will continue to work in Sichuan Province in 2008!