How Connie Became China’s English Coach

Did you miss part one? Read the beginning of the story of how Connie Mom became China’s English coach here. 

Coaching Students to National Victory

Jiangxi Normal University assigned Connie to teach English and writing classes. On her own, she also started a translation club, a storytelling troupe, and speech and public speaking classes. In her “spare time,” she founded an English library and held seminars for students and educators all over the country.

Two years after Connie arrived in Asia, one of her students did what no one from poor Jiangxi had done before. Li Jiayu won second place in a nationally-televised English public-speaking competition.

Two years later, Connie’s student Ai Lisha won first place in the same competition. By then, it had become the most prestigious English-speaking contest in China.

Connie’s motivation was to show people God’s love, not to gain recognition. But the recognition came anyway. Teachers from top universities who had met Connie at contests started attending her seminars.

Lina Shi said, “Connie has become a legend in the English public speaking cause in China. [Tweet that!]Her passion and dedication have enabled students to rise from obscurity to excellence.”

From the President to the Proletariat

In 2004, at a State banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Connie was given a solid gold medallion. She had won the National Friendship Award. The next day, Premier Wen Jiabao congratulated her at a special reception. That evening, she attended a State dinner with President Hu Jintao.

In 2011, China’s largest university press created an award just for Connie. In 2014, the China Society for Research on International Professional Personnel Exchange and Development named her the Favorite Foreign Teacher of Chinese Students.

But no matter how famous Connie grew, she continued to make time for ordinary people. She even cleaned and painted her favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant with her speech class and some visiting Americans. 

“She would hug every one,” her student Penny said. “Flash her huge grin to every passerby, take photos with drivers, gatekeepers and remember to send them a photo afterwards.”

The Secret to Her Success

In 2006, the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press asked Connie to write a book. They wanted to know how she coaches and why her students become so successful. Two years later, they published A Guidebook to English Public Speaking Training.

But what is the secret to her success?

Connie said, “Mostly I try to see the best they can be, believe in them and all their possibilities. [Tweet that!] Actually, it all boils down to love. I love them.”

Jenny Owens, an American who also taught in Jiangxi Province, saw this love in action. “Many have stared with bug eyes and mouth open because they have never experienced such love,” she said. “And those who get a second and third taste usually come back for more. People are seeing Jesus. She has been his hands to so many.”

“There is no way I could ever come up with this kind of love myself,” Connie is quick to admit. “God has given me this love for them and for China. Left to my own ability, my passion and love would fall short, dwindle and die. Only God’s continual love and prompting could keep me coming back for 15 years.”

Read the conclusion of Connie Mom’s story here.