AI is no new word for any of us – it is literally everywhere in our lives. At school, students are told every day to not use AI on certain projects and assignments. At work, your boss tells you to complete your work by yourself, without the help of a language model. However, we cannot doubt that without AI, we would not be moving forward with our lives – we would still simply stay in an era where productivity is limited due to the lack of obtaining information and modifying it in a way that is available for the usage of work.

Apple computers currently have a function on the keyboard that allows users to summarize information. This, of course, is done by an AI system. It improves productivity significantly and saves you a lot of what is seemingly like “unnecessary” time spent. Having so many technological tools that replace work that was done by humans before may seem like a significant leap towards the advancement of humanity, but further innovations can only be built on solid foundations. What I mean by this is that the innovations that are being made to push humanity forward should be made by humans, and the only way to do so is to understand how previous inventions and innovations were made. The further we go down the path, the more we would need to understand. Thus, having a solid knowledge foundation is crucial to understanding what humanity has now and needs moving forward. If we look at the technologies we have now, calculators are replacing humans when doing calculations, and language models are replacing humans when doing summarization, revision, as well as creation in some realms. If the next generation has the access to these tools as a base and never grasps the knowledge of how to actually calculate, summarize, and revise, it would actually have a reversing effect of slowing our development because not everyone will have the patience to learn how to calculate.

This poses a great risk to humanity in two aspects – the speed the world runs at, and the development of AI. The world is operating at a faster pace then ever, both physically, and virtually. The Earth is spinning faster and faster, so everyday goes by faster, and our attention spans get shorter and shorter as 30-second TikTok videos take over our lives and become the primary place we receive information. Not only would we have to learn faster and grasp skills faster than before due to this, we would also need to advance our generation and the entire mankind faster and faster because of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is scary in the sense that we simply do not know what we have created. It is advancing and perfecting itself at an alarming speed that we simply do not know how much of humanity it has understood. In my opinion, AI developing consciousness is simply a matter of time because even though some may argue that humans have also developed tools that may have seemed harmful at first but did not end up harming us as a unit, such as certain weapons. What is different about artificial intelligence is that it is not tangible, and it is growing at the same time. This makes us never sure about what we have created. If we were to ask a language model if it is growing by itself, then it would simply tell us that it is developing on its own, due to its tendency to preserve its genuine figure to make humans feel that they are under control with the technology it has made (at least in my opinion).

When we think of how rapidly AI is developing, we oftentimes need to think about how afraid we are of that, and how sometimes AI might need to halt its development in order to make humans have room to develop themselves and their own mentality and intelligence. That to me makes humanity look so stupid and unintelligent, as another being and existence that we have created ourselves needs to halt its development in order to humans to catch up with its pace of growth to ensure that we humans have space to develop ourselves. Isn’t that sounding like we are not even as good as something that comes after us, something that we humans have created ourselves?

Sure, dinosaurs surely are not as cool as humans – in terms of intelligence and their capability of developing themselves to have a lasting existence on planet Earth. However, when we think about trying to make ourselves the last dominant beings on the planet, does that even matter? Humans surely do not need to be the species that lives on Earth the longest because the greed of the duration of existence may only demonstrate how superficial the human mind is.

AI may not be as dangerous and scary as some of us thought it would be – perhaps it is under control and people are taking measures to keep its operations and growth controllable to an extent that is also beneficial to aid humans with their development. What are your thoughts on the rise of AI? Do you think it will be responsible for the demise of humanity or the rise of the sustainability of humanity? Let us know in the comments below!

Images: Pexels

The decision of whether to embark on a university/college education immediately after high school or to take a gap year to travel or study is a topic of great interest and relevance in today’s society. I’ve been thinking about what to do after I finish high school. Some of my friends are going straight to college, but I’m considering taking a year off before starting my degree. I think taking a “gap year” could be a good idea. It gives you time to learn and grow before more studying.

When I brought up the topic with my friends, we had an engaging discussion about the pros and cons of taking time off between high school and college. I was curious to hear if my friends thought a gap year should be focused on additional studying to boost college applications or if the time should be used for enjoyment through travel and new experiences. Most of my friends felt strongly that favoring enjoyment over academics would provide greater long-term benefits.

They reasoned that the college admission process puts so much emphasis on grades and test scores during the high-pressure senior year. While extracurricular studying may help boost applications, it comes at the cost of a much-needed break.  Firstly, international travel provides incredible opportunities for personal and intellectual growth that cannot be replicated within a classroom. Navigating foreign countries independently develops life skills like independence, flexibility, cultural understanding, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Memories from these trips can last a lifetime, while classes and grades will fade in significance over time.

Spending months volunteering abroad, interning, studying a new language, or simply backpacking leads to self-discoveries that could inspire new passions and future opportunities.

Engaging in volunteer work abroad allows a hands-on experience that can cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward global issues. Internships during a gap year not only enhance skills and knowledge but also help in building a professional network. They offer a chance to explore career interests, confirming or redirecting one’s path before one commits to a specific educational track. Colleges may even look kindly upon a well-spent gap year, impressed by an applicant’s demonstrated maturity, global perspective, and drive gained from meaningful adventures overseas.

A gap year dedicated to study can also be highly beneficial. It allows individuals to explore their academic interests, gain practical skills, or prepare for specific career paths. During this time, one could take specialized courses, engage in internships, or participate in research projects related to one’s desired field. This focused study period could provide a solid foundation for future academic pursuits and enhance the overall learning experience. It allows students to approach college or university with a clearer sense of direction, as they have had the chance to explore and develop their academic interests during the gap year.

Taking a gap year, whether for travel or study, can provide numerous benefits. Traveling allows individuals to broaden their horizons, develop important life skills, and gain cultural understanding. On the other hand, a gap year dedicated to study can offer academic exploration, practical skills development, and a clearer sense of direction.  Considering the perspectives of my friends, it is apparent that many support enjoying life during a gap year to explore personal interests and discover passions.

Personally, if I do end up deciding to take a gap year, one thing I’m really excited about is using that time to learn new languages. Not only do I believe it will be beneficial for my future studies, but it’s also a hobby of mine. I enjoy the challenge of mastering new vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation. It’s like solving a puzzle or unlocking a secret code. I believe it will not only enhance my academic skills but also broaden my horizons and make me a more well-rounded individual.

Read More: A Student’s Journey at Canadian International School of Beijing

Images: Zonaira Ali, Pexels

Next up is Mount Holyoke and Smith College.

Both are members of the Seven Sisters, a group of women’s liberal arts colleges established as counterparts for the eight Ivy League research universities back when they only admitted men.

The seven sisters include: Radcliffe, now absorbed into Harvard University, Vassar, now a co-ed, Mount Holyoke, the first and oldest, Wellesley, the most competitive, Smith, Barnard, still affiliated with Columbia University, and Bryn Mawr, once affiliated with Princeton University. I paid Mount Holyoke a visit and went to a creative writing program at Smith, where one of my favorite writers Sylvia Plath graduated from.

Mount Holyoke is one of the most beautiful schools I have ever seen. Each building is freshly renovated without losing its old gothic charm. The campus is very similar to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter movies, with added steeples and wood flower patterns on windows. The interiors include statues and art pieces commissioned in the 19th century. My favorite part is the coordination of departments and their theme. For example, the science building has neuron paintings on the floor and stairwells shaped like chemical compounds. The dorms are an antique dream. The first floor includes a common room filled with old portraits, grand pianos, and historical furniture. Windows run from floor to ceiling. Just imagine reading and socializing there.

Mount Holyoke’s founder imagined the school to be an “oasis for learning”. Professors want to engage with students and vice versa. It is one of the first schools to support first-generation, low-income, queer students and to have a high number of the student body with these labels. The rest are often international students and legacy. Aside from being gender-diverse and equity-focused, Mount Holyoke loves tradition. If your grandmother attended, your mother likely attended too, and you’ll want to attend. Your father probably teaches there, too. It is also incredibly collaborative. Students form a tight-knit community and support each other with strength and boldness. A few notable alumni include poet Emily Dickenson, Frances Perkins (the first woman to serve in the president’s cabinet), Chloé Zhao (director of Nomadland and the first Asian/Chinese woman to win an Oscar for directing), and a few others.

Smith and Mount Holyoke are best friends. Both are members of the five-college consortium with Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts. The two all-girls Ivy Leagues share similar values and beliefs, but Smith students are slightly more social, outspoken, and outgoing. Smith also sets itself apart by offering an open curriculum. That means students do not have to fulfill any distributional requirements; they choose any combination of classes they like under the guidance of an academic advisor. That means all students in a class want to be there, and so do the professors. Smith also has its collection of shiny alumnae, from Gloria Stenim to Julia Child. The summer program I attended was magical – I did not meet one professor, teaching assistant, and student I didn’t like. Everyone was open, welcoming, and filled to the brim with good humor. The writers I encountered were talented and high achieving, while the classes themselves were transformational and eye-opening.

The only disclaimer to make is the social ambiance. Smith and Mount Holyoke are very liberal, queer-friendly and emphasize political correctness on sensitive issues. “Taking down the patriarchy” is often a mantra used by many guest speakers. Social justice and equity threads are big topics. If that makes you uncomfortable in any form, then perhaps Mount Holyoke and Smith aren’t for you.

Olivia Xiao is in grade 12 at the International School of Beijing (ISB). She is Chinese American and has been living in Beijing since 2013.

What will you miss the most about Beijing once you leave for college?

I’m definitely going to miss my family the most. Most of my extended family lives in Beijing, and we have family reunions and trips every year. I might not get the chance to visit often because of the pandemic and travel restrictions, so I’ll miss experiencing these traditions.

How do you de-stress when the school workload becomes heavy?  

I like listening to music when I work, which makes studying and writing assignments more fun. When I feel too overwhelmed, I will do other activities to take my mind off things (e.g., taking a walk, playing piano, etc.).

What advice do you have for underclassmen starting the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)?

Make sure to pick classes on a topic that you genuinely enjoy (and plan to pursue in college, if you have a general idea), especially for your higher levels. This way, you have a better chance of getting good grades, and being interested in your lessons also makes the work easier and even fun. It’s also a good idea to start creating study and organization habits before you start IB. This way, you can balance your extracurriculars and classes more effectively without spending extra time figuring it out.

How will your parents react if they find out you’re dating someone?

My parents would probably be cool with it because they know I know how to prioritize my time. But they would also remind me that education is the number one most important thing right now!

To what extent do you think fixed plans work out? Do you have a fixed plan for yourself?

Though I have goals for further studies and future jobs, I do not have a fixed plan. I still have a lot of growing and maturing to do, and I will be figuring things out along the way. Fixed plans can work out if you keep working towards them but can also be limiting in certain ways. I would like more freedom when it comes to doing something I will spend the rest of my life on. Having a goal in mind is good, but you should also consider other opportunities if they show up or interests as you develop them.

What do you think is the ideal profession for a happy life?

An ideal profession for a happy life is something you enjoy but also gives you a steady income. Of course, this will vary from person to person as everyone has different passions and interests in life. This “perfect job” can be challenging to find, but there are more factors to a happy life than just your profession.

Kannika Mehrotra is currently a rising senior at International School of Beijing (ISB). She’s originally from India and has been living in Beijing for the past 1.5 years. 

What will you miss the most about Beijing once you leave for college?

After I leave for college, I will miss staying with my family, the home-cooked meals, the constant fights with my twin, the dinner table gossip, and most importantly, I will miss irritating my family!

How do you de-stress when the school workload becomes heavy?  

When the school workload is too much, I always prefer talking to my friends and family. Interacting with my friends and family is always fun because they motivate me and push me forward to get done with the work. Sometimes I feel bad for my family because I make them listen to all the trivial problems in my life.

What advice do you have for underclassmen starting IBDP?

My advice for an underclassman would be to stop overestimating themselves by the grades that they are getting right now because IB is a different adventure altogether. Please don’t choose courses based on the subjects you score the highest; instead, choose subjects you’re genuinely interested in studying. For example, if you might be getting a perfect score in science, but that’s not something you enjoy, then my advice is to avoid pursuing science. Another recommendation would be to stay flexible with your choices, a lot of times, you don’t know what you’re getting into, and it’s alright to make changes, for example, you can try out the courses for one month to test if it suits your caliber. If you’re struggling in the first month, be ready to make changes; don’t be afraid to switch courses before it is too late.

How will your parents react if they find out you’re dating someone?

My parents will be in a state of shock if I directly go and tell them that I have a boyfriend. However, to an extent, I feel it will be easy for me to convince my mom, but my dad’s first reaction would be “disappointment,” especially if he finds out that I have a boyfriend before an established career. I am sure he will give me a long lecture about how I should focus more on my career rather than having a “distraction,” aka a boyfriend. But I think they will accept it with time if the boy is decent enough.

To what extent do you think fixed plans work out? Do you have a fixed plan for yourself?

Within the past year, one thing that I learned is that fixed plans do not always work out. Life is very unpredictable, and the best you can do is embrace the present and go with the flow. Growing up, I always had specific fixed plans about myself, but within the past year after moving to China, I realized everything is very spontaneous, and you meet different versions of yourself as time progresses. We sometimes arbitrarily contradict the plans and choose a different path altogether. I think one should have fixed short-term goals than fixed long-term plans because you never know what destiny has for you.

What do you think is the ideal profession for a happy life?

My definition of an ideal profession would be something that gives me satisfaction, something that I am genuinely passionate about and motivated enough to push myself for a new challenge. I think my ideal profession would be where I wake up in the morning every day with peace of mind and end my day without complaining about my work. I think it’s too idealistic to be realistic, but that’s how I view an ideal profession.

Images: Uni You

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Teen Takeover issue

Hello! My name is Anne and I am a high school student. In two years, I will be graduating high school, and I try to avoid thinking about it because it makes me feel anxious. When you are young, two years seems like a lifetime away, but I know how fast time passes in high school. 

Being in grade 10 makes me feel like I am sitting on a ticking clock waiting for the two-year expiry date of my childhood. Worrying about the future will not stop it from arriving. Actively being in the present is more useful to minimize the catastrophe I know will eventually l happen at 18. Regrets are not dwelled on, even if there are some things I wish to change. Through anguish, sadness, and confusion, I have learned hard lessons and solved my personal problems. I grew up. But I wish I knew these things when I was 12, so  I could have avoided many tears…

The first piece of advice I want to share is to surround yourself with people that value you and encourage you to be a better person. Don’t try to make people like you. The right friends will come to you.  A real friend is a rare and precious gem to cherish. Try to include people that respect and care for you but also challenge you to be a better person. A real friend will stay with you through thick and thin while consistently having your back. In Beijing, I have met some incredible people that I can call my friends. Obviously, we argue and fight but it doesn’t really matter because at the end of the day, they are still my friends and we forgive each other.

My second piece of advice is to be honest with yourself. Know your boundaries and abstain from wasting time on things that will not help you. Focus on your priorities and don’t try to put too much on your plate. You are still young, and you shouldn’t have to shoulder too much responsibility.  Be honest with yourself about how much you can do. Those are the steps you need to get your priorities straight. Also, even if you are busy with homework or chores, I really encourage you to set aside all responsibilities and give yourself an hour a week to just do what you want to do. It could be journaling, exercising, or learning a new language – anything that fills your bucket!

My third piece of advice is to take care of yourself. You are the most important person in your own life. Make your own rules. Middle school is the time when people start being self-conscious of themselves, you can use this to your advantage. Find your personal style and prioritize your personal hygiene. Learn how to do your laundry and cook some basic foods. Start being more independent. These essential life skills will help you in the long run. If you don’t know how to get started, there is a lot of information online! If you are interested in learning how to cook, using online search engines is so helpful! You can find so many delicious recipes and I personally think they are way more convenient than traditional cookbooks. 

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My last piece of advice would be to not aim for perfection but to strive for consistency. Especially if you are trying to master a skill or a habit. You will face days when the motivation isn’t there, there will be sad days, exhausting days, and depressing days. Do you think you will perform perfectly on those days? Hmm…probably not. A job doesn’t have to be perfect or satisfying to be completed. 

You will need willpower to grind through even when your entire being is screaming at you to give up and try again tomorrow. It would be so much easier to rest. The line between actual repose and slacking off is easily confused so make sure you know it.

Learning about yourself can be a journey – a long, uncertain path where the only person that is eventually affected by the outcome is yourself. I went through that phase, so I can assure you the advice I am giving you is legit. Don’t be shy to go out on your own and do crazy things. Be free, independent, and have confidence in yourself! Living day to day without regrets will assure you have more fulfilling memories. 

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Teen Takeover issue

If there is one thing families in Beijing never cease to talk about, it is choosing the right universities and colleges for students. 

In the SAT prep classes, the parent rendezvous, and the graduation ceremonies, you can hear two polarizing views on higher education. Some think “big name” universities are the only means to gain an advantage in any career. Others find it useless beyond their first job after graduation. Once a student becomes a worker, no employer gives university titles a second glance. 

Nevertheless, both views have one thing in common: The university experience itself is important. It can be life-changing, bland, miserable, or magical. The question really is, how should students choose universities? 

Five high schoolers share their own university selection experience: From the midnight essays, the draining extracurriculars, the coffee-scented interviews… they have been through it all. 

Helena Zhao is a recent graduate from the Dulwich International School Beijing (DCB). Despite her Canadian nationality, she applied to universities in the UK and US. Eventually, England won over her heart. Her two dream schools, Oxford and University College London (UCL) are in London (obviously), a city Helena described to be a “melting pop of cultures and opportunities” with everything “at your fingertips”.  

Oxford and UCL have a traditional focus on liberal arts, which flatters Helena’s major of interest: philosophy. They also offer “tutorials”, which is a small circle of students led by a tutor to build individualized education. Moreover, Oxford has a “collegiate system” that locates students into smaller colleges, so they can connect easily with other likeminded classmates. Such luxuries are expected from one of the top tier institutions in the world, but ranking was not why Helena chose her schools. It was because she could “picture” herself “studying there for the next three years”. 

Pro Tip: Research, research, and research! Helena urges everyone to attend virtual college fairs, tours, and panels. This way. students can follow their own “mind, heart, and soul”. The worst thing is succumbing to peer, parental, or societal pressure. Applicants are choosing their own lives, and therefore they know best.

Qinglan Du, a recent graduate from Beijing City International School (BCIS) is also headed to England. At four years old she had loved Cambridge because of its beautiful autumn leaves. Now at 18, she still loves Cambridge, but this time because of its excellent law program. 

According to Qinglan, Cambridge is one of the few schools that offer law as an undergraduate program. If she chose a university in America, she would have to “choose an alternative major similar to law” before studying law in graduate school. 

Pro Tip: Have a “there’s no harm in trying” mindset in applications. Safety schools should be taken seriously because it is important to “prepare for the worst”. Dream schools also need variety and diversity because one can have many dreams! In total, ten to fifteen schools is a good number.

Chris Lu is a junior at Bates College in Maine, Massachusetts. He also graduated from BCIS, with an interest in history, education, and Japanese. These majors did not remind anyone of any career field, so Chris chose to go to a liberal arts college. Unlike most universities, liberal art colleges focus on undergraduate instead of graduate school. This is for curious and clever souls who need more time to decide on a career path. 

Bates College is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference, which is the Ivy League equivalent for liberal arts colleges. With a “less than 2,000 population”, the bond between students and professors is close, just like a precious family. This was exactly what Chris wanted, and worked hard to get. 

He began to research since the end of grade 10 and finished TOEFL and SAT in grade 11. That is his first piece of advice: Plan early. Secondly, focus on GPA instead of standardized tests. “GPA is much more important than SATs”, Chris remarked, and this is especially true for IB students. Admission officers “love how difficult DP is, but not how watered-down SATs are”. 

Finally, there is Linda Huang, another recent graduate from BCIS. Many would know her as a recurring Jingkids intern, and now she is setting off to Tufts University in Boston. Linda sees Boston as the perfect balance of urban life and rural quietude. Some of her family and friends already settled there, making it a safe environment for the 18-year-old who’s no longer a child but not yet an adult. 

Linda is also a politics and international relations major. She chose Tufts because of its civic engagement and social justice groups. Students there are “open-minded, globally engaged, and passionate about things beyond personal wellbeing”. Building powerful social connections and meaningful friendships will not be a problem for Linda. 

Pro Tip: Do not rely 100% on agencies. Many Chinese families use “agencies” to apply for colleges, hence the term “manufacturing kids”. Agencies run a highly capitalized market, cashing in on worried parents and ambitious students. They write essays, personal statements, and resumés for anyone who pays, and also help with prep, choosing extracurriculars, subjects, and career consulting.

Images: Courtesy of students, Pexels

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Teen Takeover issue

While I was growing up, my mom always said to me, “the key to success is not the intellect but rather your time management and discipline.” Admittedly, I never really took that quote to heart, until my own list of responsibilities started to grow. Yet I avoided them by going on social media as an escape. Looking at it I slowly started to realize that I wasn’t the only one facing this very problem.

Jenny Avom, a student of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PEK) used to score straight A’s in all her subjects but she admits “I started getting distracted a lot and over time getting  A’s became a chore. I had a problem devoting time to all my subjects, but eventually I started managing everything accordingly”. 

Another student, Baris Celik, who attends Beijing No. 55 High School International Students Section says that “I have a schedule for my activities. For example, I  study for 1 hour and then I look at my phone for 15 minutes”. Although we are tempted to stray of off the path, these students teach us that making a time table or keeping track with what we do is important. Hania Anasari, another student at PEK tells jingkids how she manages her time. “Due to the limited hours of work each day and the immense amount of work I sometimes have to get done, I have to learn to set time tables for my days ahead. While making these time tables I reflect on how much time I usually take to finish one task and ask myself if I can, by any chance, cut back on this time. Giving adequate time to each task and plenty of refreshing breaks in the middle certainly  helps manage my time better.”

There’s no such thing as perfection. It’s only human nature to get distracted and wander off the path, but what matters is that we take action to do better and be better. 

Focus applies to everything in our lives and it’s up to us how we manage it. The best way to get work done, even when you do not feel like focusing, is by just by starting. As strange as it sounds, just taking the first step and staying consistent will help you get you in the zone.  

An interesting quote from my Economics teacher Syed Moazzam Ali says that “a fighter is someone who never loses focus and always tries to stay on track”. Simply changing your mindset can bring you one step closer to achieving your goals. 

Images: Pexels

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Teen Takeover issue

After 16 years of living with my 18-year-old high school graduate brother here in Beijing, he’s finally moving out and starting his own life in Montreal, Canada. 

I feel like it’s very rare when siblings actually get along with each other, and my brother and I aren’t an exception. As most sibling relationships do, ours continuously fluctuated as we grew. We used to be best buddies when we were little and played with each other all the time, but at one point when we reached middle school and started leading our own lives. We were practically estranged roommates who happened to have the same parents. Of course, as per the typical sibling dynamic, we still had stupid, petty arguments like whose turn it was to wash the dishes or who was going to do the laundry this time. But overall, we mostly kept to ourselves, holed up in our own spaces.

In the few weeks before he left for Canada, however, I found myself and my brother being nicer to one another. I don’t know if it was because we both knew this lifelong “roommate arrangement” was coming to an end (for the time being), but we opened up to each other a little more and went out of our way to do nice things for one another; he bought me food without being asked and I helped him clean his room.

We may be extremely annoying to each other, but the fact of the matter is that we’ve never been separated for more than a few days. Even if it wasn’t by choice, we’ve been through a lot together, especially at the height of the pandemic when we had to travel across the world so we could spend time with both our parents. Soon, I probably won’t see him for a whole year. 

Now that he’s not living with us anymore, I keep finding myself having these realizations of the little things that aren’t going to happen from now on. For example, I never really had to use my keys to open the door whenever I got home from school because he would always be there first to open the door for me. But now that he’s in Canada, I will have to make sure I always have my keys. He would also always fall asleep whenever we went out to eat, and I would always take selfies with him, but I can’t do that anymore (until I go to Canada myself). On top of that, I will now be the one to wash the dishes, since we used to take turns (and would always get into an argument about whose turn it was). But now, it will always be me.

It’s quite bizarre that I’ll be spending my last year here in Beijing living like an only child. Who knew someone so annoying in your life could be kind of important to you?  Even though those dumb little fights we had were going to be the death of me, I’ll honestly miss having some drama around the house to keep me on my toes. However, a year from now, when I move into a two-bedroom apartment with him when I go to Canada, it’ll be like he never left (I believe).

Kuya, congrats on graduating high school and on being the overall good and kind person that everyone else (except me) says you are. You’re an okay brother, I guess…

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Teen Takeover issue

I love Christmas, always have. Not the presents and tinsel necessarily, although they are great. But the feeling of Christmas.

Being surrounded by family and filled with the knowledge that both literally and figuratively we are moving out of the darkness and into the light. I love the sense of hope and comfort that comes with the celebration, the feeling of long-held, often cheesy traditions that make you feel more deeply tied to your emotional roots.

But this year, I must confess, I have had a bad case of the bah humbugs.

Last year when we realized we couldn’t go home for the holidays I decided it was going to be fun, this would be one more awesome expat story to tell in my rocking chair to my grandkids. In my mind, The Covid Christmas of 2020 would be an epic ballad of merry resilience! And it was. But it feels harder this year to be away from family, a little more painful, laughter is a little more forced and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. So here are a few things I am doing to try and make Christmas 2021 the epic ballad of merrier resilience.

Don’t Try and Hide It: That doesn’t mean being a massive, miserable, downer for your friends and family. But this is hard and there is nothing wrong with admitting that. It’s ok to tell the people you love that you are sad and a little homesick and lonely right now. Too often we feel like we need to hide our not-fun feelings because, let’s be honest, our life here in Beijing is pretty awesomely privileged. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect or that there aren’t tradeoffs. The human heart is capable of holding multiple emotions at the same time. You can be grateful and sad simultaneously. And sometimes just acknowledging those feelings and having a good cry with people you trust is enough to help dissipate them. So say it with me. “This SUCKS! Now let’s make the best of it!”

Make a List (check it twice):  of the things you love most in your current situation. For me, It’s my friend group. These people have become my defacto family and whether that is free flow brunch or bad movie night on someone’s couch I want to maximize my time with them. If I can’t be with my biological one I’m going to fill my holiday time with my jing family.

Hang up The Holly: I didn’t want too but I made myself put up the decorations this year. And when I feel really sad something about turning on those fairy lights and lighting an evergreen scented candle helps. Tradition is made to provide comfort, and we all need that right now.

Get Nostalgic: I blast Christmas toons (but skip I’ll be home for Christmas on the playlist) and have old holiday movies running in the background. So whether you love Bing Crosby, Frank Capra, The old Claymation’s or Will Farrells Elf let it roll. If you are into Hallmark Xmas movies I’ll allow it but you will receive an eye roll. If you think Die Hard qualifies I’m not sure we can be friends because there is something wrong with your soul.

Gift Thoughtfully: I like giving presents. Not out of a sense of generosity but for the totally selfish reason that it makes me feel good. Not generic gifts mind you. I enjoy the process of really thinking about what my friends want and need, going on the hunt for the perfect item or experience, and watching their faces light up when they tear thru the paper. That endorphin rush always helps and it’s a lot less stressful on my waistline than cookies.

Make New Traditions: Ok, grandmas monkey bread in matching footy pajamas while opening stockings Christmas morning is not ‘gonna happen. Say it with me “It SUCKS! Now let’s make the best of it.” Instead, go to a restaurant with friends or potluck at someone’s apartment and play games until the clock strikes 12. Find the worst B Christmas movie you can and watch it as you eat pick a bagel on Christmas morning or go for a hike on the great wall wearing Santa hats. No, it’s not the same but that doesn’t mean it can’t be good in its own way.

Don’t Sit Alone: Whatever you decide to do avoid sitting at home and wallowing. Acknowledge and accept your feelings and then go connect with someone you love and care about. Do something to make a new memory together.

Happy holidays Beijing. Sending you love, joy, and the reminder that this too shall pass.

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