I really was not planning to enroll again and study at the Confucius Institute. I only sent an email to the director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Shi, to tell her about my long-time love for Chinese culture almost half of my life already. I was not aware that she was the former director of the Confucius Institute at U.P. Diliman. So she suggested that I get in touch with Dr. Zhi, who is the new director.
When I was still single, I was able to take face-to-face Chinese classes at the Confucius Institute in Ateneo. But now that I am married and have a child, I am glad that U.P. Diliman offers online classes. I am now enrolled in the beginner online class, HSK 1, under Mr. Wu.
I have known about the Confucius Institute in U.P. before because I was invited to their inauguration.
My husband is somewhat disappointed again because he is not in favor of me returning to my so-called “hobby” or interest, which is Chinese culture and language. Because of his encouragement before, I gave away my collection of Chinese books to our barangay because he told me my books were just clutter.
Anyway, I was able to meet the kind director, Dr. Zhi, and she gave me a brochure from Xiamen University, where she works. We also chatted about my long-time interest in China. She said she would be glad to help me and support my learning.
I even opened up to her about a deep wound from my past regarding my interest in Chinese culture and language. She told me to believe in myself and not care too much about what others say. So I say 加油！
