Chinese Language Classes Now Offered to the Community

Since 1969, the volunteers of the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program (EBLP) have devoted themselves to the teaching of English to international adults in the Copper Country, while our sister program, International Neighbors, has focused on the culture, customs, and foods of other countries. Over the years, EBLP has introduced several changes, such as online lessons, conversation partners, and a more expansive newsletter, but the English language learning has always been our priority. Now, new in the last few years, Chinese classes are being offered as well, making our program even more multicultural.

Having been a long-time English language student, Shasha Zhang felt the need to give back to this community by offering weekly Chinese classes. She launched the Chinese classes about three years ago on Zoom under the sponsorship of EBLP with an initial group of about four or five students from within our program. Shasha’s warm and friendly approach to teaching Chinese convinced a few more curious local residents to join. In our classes, Shasha first reviews the previous week’s lesson and then introduces new vocabulary words and grammar. Our homework consists of writing a few sentences about our day or week–with the aid of a translator!–to recite at the next lesson for Shasha to discuss. Our hope is that one day we might be able to order a meal in Chinese or learn directions on a visit to China. In the meantime, we enjoy talking about the language and learning about the culture.

Last Fall, Shasha and her family moved to Sweden for a few months, but before she left, she recruited Judy (Juezhu) Long to continue teaching the class in her absence. The class benefited from Judy’s own style and ideas about teaching Chinese, as well as the same unselfish and sincere desire as Shasha to foster cultural exchange and appreciation between our two countries. We feel blessed to have profited from both Shasha’s and Judy’s teaching. Below, Judy introduces herself and other classmates by asking them why they joined the class.

Judy Long (Juezhu Long)

I am a PhD student majoring in Forest Science. I love exploring the world! I am delighted to invite you into my world of teaching Chinese, driven by a deep love for meaningful volunteer work. I started the class in the summer of 2023. Within summer classes, I’ve not only found purpose but also discovered a network of wonderful friends, Shasha, Denise, Pichai, Sushree, Miraj, Heather, Stefanie, and Crystal, who share the joy of learning and teaching with me. It’s been a heartwarming journey! So, I continue to open the class in this new semester.

In the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program, I do the hats of both teacher and student, I also joined the English tutorial project as a student. Thanks to my teachers Denise and Beth so much, my English has improved a lot. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to this program for offering me the opportunity to take classes, learn, and grow. It’s a testament to the supportive and encouraging community we’ve built together.

Thanks to all my friends for being a part of this heartwarming Chinese class, and I look forward to sharing more about the beauty of friendship, and the joys of learning as we continue this journey together.

Shasha Zhang (Instructor)\

I’m Shasha, and life has always been an adventurous mystery to me. It’s now the third year since I started offering Chinese Mandarin classes. Teaching and learning consistently bring me joy, and I’ve relished the opportunity to build new friendships and create a sense of belonging for both my students and friends. My primary goal has been to inspire students to discover the pleasure of learning a foreign language and culture. Every student holds a special place in my heart, and it was my husband, a professor at Michigan Tech, who initially encouraged me to launch the volunteer online Chinese class. He frequently reminds me of the uniqueness of each student.

Over time, our journey has become more than just learning. We regularly connect, sharing life stories and personal experiences. We’ve gathered for potlucks, beach BBQs, Chinese tea time, and even gone blueberry picking together. I’m grateful for the friends, neighbors, and students who have inspired and motivated me to continue teaching. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the generous support provided by the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program. I’d also like to express special thanks to Judy, who graciously stepped in to teach Chinese during my travels. Her enthusiasm and dedication to teaching Chinese to everyone have made her a quick and cherished addition to our group.

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