My Marvelous Story with China

I am Mary from Georgia, 24 years old. Currently, I am pursuing a master's degree in International Chinese Language Education at Beijing Language and Culture University. Prior to that, I worked as a local Chinese language teacher in a school in Georgia for three years.

It seems like my destiny has always been intertwined with China. In 2014, as a winner of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, I came to China for the final and experienced China up close for the first time. As the plane slowly descended onto the tarmac, I finally set foot on the land that I had longed for, and a sense of familiarity arose within me. Alongside over 400 participants worldwide, I visited the Forbidden City, appreciating the grandeur of Chinese architectural art. I climbed the Great Wall, marveling at the exquisite skills and wisdom of ancient Chinese people.

In 2019, I came to China for the second time, embarking on my study journey at Beijing Language and Culture University. In this university known as a "mini United Nations", international students from over 100 countries embrace their youth, experiencing diverse cultures and colorful lives, together with Chinese students.

Mary (center) participates in cultural exchange activities between China and Georgia

As a master's student in International Chinese Language Education, my stage is set worldwide. In school, I strive to acquire knowledge and improve my teaching skills. After graduation, I plan to go to any place in the world that needs Chinese language teachers, sowing the seeds of Chinese language there. I hope to write a Georgian version of Chinese language textbook for high school students in Georgia, helping more young people learn Chinese and fall in love with China.

Mary teaches a Chinese language lesson

On July 30, 2023, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili visited Beijing Language and Culture University, and I had the privilege to be involved in the event planning. When Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his delegation saw the bilingual Chinese-Georgian display board that my teachers and I had carefully prepared, they smiled and expressed their appreciation. And the Prime Minister left his signature on the board with the line "Long Live Sino-Georgian Friendship." After the event, as I gently touched Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili's signature with my hand, a surge of excitement overwhelmed me. Contributing to the friendly exchanges between our two countries has become my future direction and my ongoing endeavor.