My students often teased me when we happened to meet in the hallway, 'So, Phoenix, do you still love your work?' And the response would always be, 'Of course! How could I not love it? Look at who I meet everyday!' Then they walked away with a satisfied glance to their friends who were walking with them at the moment. Vietnamese students - It had been strange how they tested me and respected me for simple, little things.
One time a student sat down at lunch with me and shared with me, 'We have split opinion about you. Half of us just adore and love you. The other half think you are too strict.' I said, 'Oh, really,' and then smiled. At the moment I had the urge to ask him more about the story, but I let it go, and I was glad I did that because the conversation might turn into a gossip which I never enjoyed.
The other time a student emailed me, 'Phoenix, all we talked about today on our Facebook was you. You are very popular among us now. Hanoi students are jealous of us because we have you here full time and they only have you for one week.' I emailed my appreciation to the student and nervously waited for something to happen. As I predicted, the following days I had student visitors who came to talk just for the sake of talking. They did not have any real career concern. I finally realized that they came to know who I was, tested my ability, and observed me secretly. 'This was not going to work,' I annoyingly told myself, and then I used the key skill of counseling - just smile and listen. The trick worked, and several days later I received normal career questions. It was a such a relief. I think I kind of understand how the pop stars feel everyday now! This is an exaggerated statement, but being idolized was something I did not expect when I decided to work in Vietnam.
The toughest experience was lecturing the MBA students, whose age was only several years younger than mine, whose experience was several years shorter than mine, and whose attitude was full of pride and ego that were common among MBA students - the future leaders of the local business sector. It was twelve long weeks of labor, when I practiced skillful pedagogy, appropriate flexibility, and needed firmness. It was hard-earned respect, but that was worth my time and effort. I was glad that I could plan a seed in their heart that profit should not be the only priority in life. That was very anti-MBA, but who cared! I was a counselor after all :)
Students in Vietnam, I still have to learn about them greatly to serve them better, but the surprises that they have brought to me so far are pleasant. I think things can only get better from here.
Saigon, Vietnam
February 19, 2010
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