Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
Today, we are proud to feature one of the new Jingkids International Parent Board members, which serves as a bridge between our publication and our dedicated readers.
I’m Serina Baik-Lueders – born in Korea, raised in Montreal, Canada, studied and worked as a fashion designer in France, England, and settled down in Germany. My two daughters, aged 15 and 16, and I have accompanied my husband on his expat assignment to Beijing since 2015. I’m teaching and interested in TCM including alternative medicines.
What’s on your mind?
With the unfortunate situation of switching back and forth from online learning to face-to-face, I wonder how this could influence the quality of my children’s education, their learning momentum, and social skills. Although, kudos to the teachers at their school, they have been doing an excellent job in addressing these issues and supporting the students as best they can, which I am very thankful for!
What’s your motivation to get moving?
Things that keep me happy are my family, my friends, to love and be loved, to have purpose, hope, and naturally to eat yummy food! Always important is to find time to spend doing activities together as a family.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
Keeping my body, mind, and soul fit. I go to the gym regularly, love pilates, biking, or jogging in the evenings along the river for meditation – in chaos there is calm. I’m a believer of what you are is what you eat, so I make the effort to cook, eat healthy, and maintain a well-balanced diet. “Questioning” and “learning” is food for my thoughts and keeps me sane in any madness.
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
The international diversity, friendliness, speed, and convenience. Though the city could use a bit more greenery, I am grateful to be here and to have the opportunity to learn Chinese, learn about Chinese culture, and still maintain my languages, eat internationally, and meet new people.
Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!
KEEP READING: Darla Ridlon Feels Grateful in Some Way, Every Day
Images: Courtesy of Serina Baik
