My students are very enthusiastic about learning Chinese. Unlike English, which is a compulsory subject in many schools, people who choose to study Chinese usually have a strong interest in it and are prepared to put in the effort. Most Chinese students begin studying English in primary school. However, many people do not learn it very effectively because it is often taught as an academic subject rather than as a practical language. Students spend a lot of time memorizing vocabulary and grammar, but they have few opportunities to speak or listen. Most websites, books, social media platforms, and other resources around me were in Chinese. My parents grew up in difficult circumstances. They experienced the Cultural Revolution and had limited educational opportunities. My father left school at the age of sixteen to work in a factory and support himself. Because of this background, my parents did not have many opportunities to read or continue learning.