Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and 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 members of the new Jingkids International Parent Board, which serves as a bridge between our publication and our dedicated readers.
Hi! I’m Jaclyn Dam Laute, born in Vietnam, raised in America, and living in Beijing since 2002. I first came to Beijing as a travelling spouse, and become a mother of two kids born and raised in Beijing. After working at BJU, I started my own dental practice (IDC Dental) where I am now CEO.
I love my career. It’s a privilege to be a health care provider. It’s a joy to bring smiles to so many people. I’m fortunate that through dentistry I can give back to others, such as the orphans of Dew Drops, Bread of Life, and others with needs.
I actively participate in my children’s schools’ boards as a way of staying close to them, so I’ve been on the PTA of Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) as well as Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). Since 2016, I have also served on the committee for ChiFanForCharity (CFFC).
What’s on your mind?
Well I just celebrated my 55th birthday, where I invited small groups of friends to my place for lunch. My birthday also happens to fall on our wedding anniversary, and I met my husband in Singapore, so I ordered a mix of Singaporean food and Vietnamese food to celebrate!
This year felt big because the last few years have been tough and I needed time for reflection and self-care.
Since I’m in my fifties now, I can look back and see how important community is in my life. I feel that as women age, our community gets larger. But if you can start building your community earlier, I think it’s more beneficial.
What’s your motivation to get up every morning?
Like a sunrise, every day you get a new chance. To be happy. To do more. Do better. It’s a fresh start.
This is the first year my son is not around, as he just graduated from WAB last year and is now studying in California. I send him a morning message on WeChat every day, without expecting a reply, though sometimes I get a simple one like “Hi mom,” and other times I get a recap of what’s going on in his life. It’s just nice to still be involved in his life since I can’t be with him in person for who knows how long.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
I exercise by running at least three times a week and enjoy daily walks with my husband and our pet, Maddie. Hiking with Wild Women and exploring nature with special friends helps clear my head too. I push myself a little by signing up for cross-training or weight challenges to keep me accountable. Since I turned 50, I stopped eating too much meat and try to opt for more fish and alternative meat.
In my relationships, I always make it a point to talk to my husband and tell him all about my day. I also choose to ride in the car with my daughter to school instead of sending her off on the bus every day. I even tuck her into bed at night too!
I focus on nurturing a couple of friendships from time to time as well. Friendship takes effort. We have to make time to think it, to write it, to voice it, to express it, and most importantly, we must show up when we can.
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
I love the changing seasons and the many parks and sites to run in – Chaoyang Park, Ritan Park, Honglingjin Park, Behai Park, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, etc. Plus the many hiking trails for all seasons (Fragrant Hills, Great Wall, etc.).
But if there’s something that’s a uniquely Beijing experience that I utterly recommend, it would be this – put your kids to bed early on Friday evening and check into the Jingshan Garden Hotel. Enjoy a late dinner around 8pm or so, then head off to bed. Wake up at sunrise (4.30am) and go for a jog around the Forbidden City moat around the corner from the hotel. The 4km path is beautiful and quiet, and the sunrise is spectacular. Then you’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and go back to home as your teenage kids are just opening their eyes. They’ll hardly have missed you, and you will have gotten a good, well-deserved break and chance to reset.
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: Serina Baik: “Thank You to Teachers for Their Grace Under Pressure!”
Images: Courtesy of Jaclyn Dam Laute
