Ms. Anna Horkey is like most teachers at Plymouth High School. She devotes much of her time teaching students, enjoys working with them, and hopes to inspire them. However, what differentiates her is the subject she teaches as well as her passion for this foreign language and the rich culture behind it.

When asked “Cómo estás?” or “Comment allez-vous?” students easily respond with the typical “Bien, bien” or when it comes to French, “Je suis bon.” On the other hand, when asked “Ni zenme yang,” students laugh uncertainly and hesitate to reply, but with good reason. In comparison to Spanish and French, much of the PHS student body is unfamiliar with the Chinese language particularly because such a language course was not offered in the past. This, in turn, has created a similar effect to the community. “It is not a commonly known language in Plymouth,” states Sophomore Jessica Celmer.

Although Chinese remains foreign locally, studies reveal otherwise on the international level. Rather, results indicate it to be one of the most spoken languages in the world. Additionally, several American news sources including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times have began catering to the growing Chinese population here in the U.S. and in China, now introducing Chinese versions of their websites. The intention is to increase international awareness of their brand, and therefore attract more readers. The New York Times for instance, hopes to “draw [Chinese] readers from the growing middle class” as stated in one of the paper’s articles covering the new addition. With the increasing prevalence of the Chinese language, one’s desire to speak Chinese, could certainly become an advantage, if not a necessity, in the future.

For some, however, it started as a desire. Ms. Horkey grew up in northeast Nebraska where she attended Sioux City High School, far from the Asian continent, far from Plymouth itself. While her hobbies initially included listening to music, singing, drawing, and ultimate frisbee, she soon found an interest which would combine all of her passions into one, with the exception of music and frisbee. “I loved it [Chinese]! Speaking it was like singing to me and writing it was like drawing, so it encompassed two of my favorite things to do,” she states. To pursue her interest, she majored in Chinese studies, later graduating from Valparaiso University.

Fortunately, Ms. Horkey has had the opportunities to enhance her Chinese speaking skills. Having lived four years in mainland China and one year in Taiwan, she is now fluent in the language. However, to Ms. Horkey, the most influential aspect of her immersion was not wholly acquiring a new skill but rather, developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the culture, having experienced it firsthand. Her fondest memory includes living in Yunnan, a southwest province of China. “It is a beautiful province with stunning scenery and many interesting people,” she states.

Living four years in the country, Ms. Horkey additionally noted several differences between American and Chinese youth. She found one in particular most interesting. While many are aware that students raised in China tend to be more studious, the degree to which they focus on their studies may be surprising. “Chinese high school students are either in school or in study hall from about 6 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m.,” she says. According to Ms. Horkey, students are under enormous pressure to excel in order to get into a good college and as a result, are forced to focus most on their schooling. In fact, social activities such as dating are forbidden by parents, teachers, and schools. Whether dating were permitted or not, Ms. Horkey states that Chinese students would still date less than others because of limited time.

Yet these differences are what make the Chinese culture most interesting. For example, while it may differ greatly compared to America’s, when asked what her favorite part of China was, Ms. Horkey responded with, “The food. Obviously.” She adds, “China is a fascinating place with many cultural differences but I will never be bored with Chinese or China!” she says.

Despite Ms. Horkey’s vast knowledge of the Chinese culture and language, she still feels Chinese can initially be difficult to learn and others would agree. “My parents and friends think I’m crazy for taking it because it is hard,” states Junior Tyler Wagner, a student in her class. Junior Sommer McClellan finds it challenging remembering the characters as well as their translations. “I first thought I was never going to pass Chinese,” she says. Though complex, Ms. Horkey sympathizes with her students especially since she too once found memorizing characters an obstacle. But in her experience, she does know that it is possible and over the years has began to reap the benefits of her skill. “Even when it is difficult, it has afforded me some amazing opportunities to meet many interesting people and interact in different cultures,” she says. Because of this, she hopes to change their mindsets. She adds, “I hope that my students can love Chinese as much as I do!”

 

Teaching can be a struggle as well. “The most challenging thing is keeping a lot of different information in one’s mind at one time,” Ms. Horkey says. However, it is clear that students are already gaining an appreciation and a greater knowledge of the Chinese culture, a goal she intended to accomplish. This benefit makes all the difference. “When you see a student “get” something you have taught them, seeing them learn and grow, is definitely the most rewarding part of teaching,” she states.

As the Chinese-speaking population continues growing, being fluent in this language carries numerous advantages, whether it be in the business world or everyday life. With Ms. Horkey’s new Chinese class to lead the way, PHS students will be able to reach for those opportunities.