【推荐1】I like all my teachers, but I think my English teacher, Grace, is my favorite teacher. Grace is from England. But she loves Chengdu very much. She thinks Chengdu is great. She loves Sichuan food. Do you know what she likes for breakfast? Bread or milk? No, she doesn’t. She only has some salad. Hot pot (火锅) is her favorite and she always eats it on Saturday and Sunday. Grace has a daughter and a son. Her daughter’s name is Mary. Her son’s name is Jack. They are 8 years old. They are in the same school. They like hop pot, too. They are all in Chengdu now.

We have English classes from Monday to Friday. So Grace is very busy. But she is always nice and happy. All my classmates like her and her classes very much. She often plays English games and sings English songs with us. When we have questions, we like to ask her for help.

Now I think I can do well in English because I have the best (最好的) English teacher, Grace.

【推荐2】One day a teacher entered the classroom and gave the students a surprise test. He gave out the papers and asked his students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions, just a black dot (黑点) in the center of the page.

The teacher saw the expression on everyone’s face and said, “I want you to write what you see there.” The confused students got started on the hard task. At the end of the class, the teacher took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them. All of them described the black dot and tried to explain where it was on the paper.

After all had been read, the classroom was quiet. The teacher began to explain, “I am not going to grade you according to this. I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot. The same happens in our lives. We have a white paper to enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift filled with love and care. We always have reasons to celebrate — friends that help us or jobs that support our lives.

“However, we keep focusing only on the dark spots, the health problems, the lack of money or the bad relationship with a family member. The dark spots are really annoying, but they are very small. Take your eyes away from the black spots in your life. Enjoy each moment that life gives you. Be happy and live a positive life!”

【推荐3】Letizia Vallini, an Italian teacher, translated the book “Socialism（社会主义）with Chinese Characteristics: Why does it work?”. The book was a hit in Italy. “Many people wonder why does Socialism with Chinese Characteristics work.The development that I experienced in China are the best answer,” Vallini said. “The process of translating the book has deepened my understanding of China, and I hope more and more people will know and understand China through my efforts.”

When Vallini was young, she always hoped that her father could take as many videos and photos as possible while in China and bring home some Chinese gifts.

In 2013, with the support of the Confucius Institute, she got the opportunity to study in Nankai University. In 2017, Vallini became an Italian teacher in Nankai University.When Vallini first set foot in China, she discovered that the county was modern, open and full of energy.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevention and control measures soon spread to every corner of China.People from all walks of life worked together for a common shared goal.China is like a very united community. I really think staying in China is the right choice. It’s a safe place.” Vallini said.

“China allowed me to study for free for two years: I met my husband in China. Now I’m a part of the university.China is my second hometown,” Vallini said. “I want to give back for all the things China gave me and share China’s experience and wisdom with the world.”

【推荐3】Hi, my name is Tony. I’m a student of Confucius Institute in Chicago（CIC，芝加哥孔子学院）. My school is 14 years old. I like it very much because I can learn Chinese in it.

Chinese is difficult. But it’s very useful. Now, CIC and China’s five schools are sister school. One of them is Beijing No.4 High School. I have a penfriend from this school, his name is Liu Gang. Nick is his English name. Liu Gang’s favorite subject is English, He thinks it’s easy and fun.

Every year, twenty to thirty students of CIC can go to its sister schools. And the students can stay for four to six weeks there. I really want to go to China next year. And I really want to meet my Chinese penfriend.

【推荐1】Father’s Day is a special day for sons and daughters to show their deep love to their fathers. Maria doesn’t think she is good at telling her feelings face to face, so she writes a letter to her father.

Happy Father’s Day! You’re not a rich man or a famous person. But in my heart, you are one of the greatest men in the world. I’m proud of you.

You have never been a famous man. You do ordinary things like paying phone bills (账单) on time and working as a worker in a factory. You take good care of our family. You help me with my schoolwork and do some shopping with mom on weekends. The smile on your face shows you’re glad with your life.

In the past, I didn’t care whether you were with me or not. Now I am sorry to say I didn’t show you the respect before. But I am thankful for what you have done for me. And I feel happy that now I can let you know how much I love you. You are successful as a husband, a father and a friend. I hope you will be happy forever!

Yours,

Maria