One of the benefits (or nuisances, depending on your point of view) of being a teacher is receiving year-end gifts. It's a benefit when the gift is useful or enjoyable and a nuisance when you have to figure out how in the world you are going to dispose of it without getting caught or hurting feelings. Honestly, most of the gifts we receive in China fall into the latter category. We are always touched by the thought and the generosity of our students, but there really is only so much that can be done with a dozen or so giant Zhongguo Jie (Chinese Knots symbolizing happiness and good fortune).
Occasionally though, the planets are bound to align and then a gift is given that is neither beneficial nor a nuisance, but is just so unique that you can't help but be grateful for the entertainment. On the last day of class, from a sweet freshman student named Hope, I got this doll made from what I think is wrapping paper, tinsel, and nothing less than a yellow plastic Easter egg for the head with a woman's face drawn on it. I think she looks like Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter movies, and as a huge fan, I can only hope that Hope meant to tell me that I am her Professor McGonagall.
That is awesome! Now, if you could just transfigure into a cat...
ReplyDeleteThat's much better than the knot thing, I got quite a few of those from students myself, and I ended up giving them away as "souvenirs." Yes, regifting, I know... but you can only "use " so many of those things!
I love that Professor McGonagall doll! So fabulous!
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