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.
I was born in the Philippines, move to Montreal, Canada with my family when I was 15, and have been living in Beijing since 1999. I came to Beijing as a Graphic Design teacher for Raffles Design Institute, then move to Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) in 2005 as a Desktop Publisher/Graphic Designer. I have two kids – Amber and Aidan – a junior and a senior at WAB this year.
What’s on your mind?
My son’s upcoming graduation, his move back to Montreal, and his (our) gap year plan has been constantly on my mind since the beginning of the year. Exciting, sad, and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
What’s your motivation to get up every morning?
My children and my developing romantic/life relationship helps me get through all the Covid instability. It helps that I love living in Beijing, and to give the current situation credit, it has forced us to see more of Beijing and China. With my 22+ years of living in Beijing, it was only last year that I realized what Chaoyang Park, the mountains on the west side of the city, and Wenyu River has to offer.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
By spending time with family and friends, staying physically active through running, biking, hiking, coaching/playing basketball, and discovering new (to me) places in Beijing whether it be a restaurant, hiking/running/biking routes, and tourist sites.
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
The overall safety in the city is something that I’ve been telling my family abroad as one of the reasons that we’ve been in Beijing this long.
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: Mother, Environmentalist & Entrepreneur Linze: “It Starts With The Little Things”
Images: Courtesy of Larry Foz
