We are happy to present an interview with Zuo Meng, our guest from Singapore. Zuo Meng has been a teacher trainee in 7th LO since 20th May 2010. She has been conducting classes with our students, giving presentations on life in Singapore, Chinese culture and generally sharing with us her cultural view of the world.
Zuo Meng with Genowefa Malicka, the headmistress of 7th LO, receiving her internship certificate.
How did it happen that you came to Poland?
Zuo Meng: I came due to an organization called AIESEC, which leads Global Talent Program and makes student’s exchange. In October I decided to try such exchange, in February I found opportunities in Turkey, Kenya, Uganda… After looking at requirements and negotiations I’ve chosen Poland. The purpose of that organization is to make impact on students in different parts of the world, to bring change in ourselves.
How do you like Toruń?
Zuo Meng: I love this town. I was used to big cities, so here I find peace in my mind. There are also friendly people, who do care about their friends. But I have an impression, that here people are not that much ambitious, not like in my country. The architecture I find amazing.
What differences do you see between life in Singapore and Toruń?
Zuo Meng: People here lead more natural life, in Singapore everything is artificial. Here I feel closer to nature, not stressed. In Singapore people are somehow cold, they have too much pressure on themselves. The mental issues are not visible there. People must study hard for good career, best life you can imagine is to have your own flat and house.
What surprised you most in Poland?
Zuo Meng: Everything is so smooth and perfect – this is the biggest surprise. Except that, the old town of Toruń. It’s gorgeous.
What do you do in Singapore and how do you spend your free time?
Zuo Meng: I study. My life is: studying and AIESEC. I write articles, have conferences. It’s personal development. About entertainment – movies. I love cinema, the tickets are quite cheap. When I meet friends, we usually go out to a restaurant. This kind of meeting friends is more popular than clubbing. I am from China, but at the age of 16 I left for Singapore. I went abroad, because in China there are too many students, you can’t find nor good university neither decent job. My parents work for the government and of course I don’t have any siblings – this is forbidden in my country.
What do you think about students in our school?
Zuo Meng: They are nice, extremely lovely! The truth is that I knew nothing about Poland before coming, other students who already have been on such exchanges told me: don’t have any expects. But everything is so perfect! When have my classes many of you are shy, but sincere, I see you would like to talk to me. Many are inviting me, taking care of me. I don’t want to leave Toruń!
Thank you very much!
Interviewee: Zuo Meng
Interviewers: Łukasz Zarzyczny , 1A Danuta Mackojć. 1A
