Shanghai Daily News

Three years in Singapore, four years in Shanghai and maybe the next two or three years in California. It seems that Mary Cleghorn's life is always on the move, drifting from one city to another and traveling all around the world.

The nomadic lifestyle of this 35-year-old Canadian has brought her many great experience and opportunities, but not great changes. Under her amiable and modest demeanor, the Toronto native remains a zealous supporter and ardent participant in community services and voluntary activities.

"I get lots of fun through volunteering and community activities," Cleghorn said. "And I can also meet many nice people."

Every Saturday morning at Chengjiaqiao Community School in Changning District, Cleghorn teaches an English class. However, the students listening attentively to her and busy taking notes are not teenagers, but old boys and girls aged more than 70.

"They are really hard working and diligent in spite of their old age. They are much more clever than I am," she said with a smile. "Their passion for study also gives me motivation to learn. Actually, we learn from each other."

Two years ago at the community's annual Neighbors' Festival, Cleghorn met Shi Baokang, a 77-year-old retired English teacher, who gave lessons in the language to senior citizens living nearby.

"Mr Shi invited me to co-teach with him and I thought it was a good idea," she said.

Cleghorn was quite serious about the invitation. In order to be a qualified teacher and be able to communicate with her students more freely, she made lots of preparations. She signed up for a Mandarin class at East China Normal University and received her TEFL Certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) after several months of study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

With up to 20 students in a class, her main job is to correct pronunciation, explain the meanings of new words, distinguish correct and incorrect usage, help practice oral English and introduce Western culture to those graybeards.

She also has to prepare her own lessons, something a little overwhelming at first, but less difficult than she thought at first.

"I found the students to be so friendly. They showed extreme interest in what was discussed and were most willing to participate in lessons; they had a wonderful sense of humor," Cleghorn said. "They are lovely old people. They told me study was a good way to keep their minds sharp."

Sometimes, Cleghorn gets stumped by her students' tough grammar questions. "It's difficult for me to explain the English grammar rules because when I speak, I hardly think about it," she said. "So I have to do a lot of preparations on the Internet at home before every class."

In the eyes of her partner Mr Shi and their senior students, this Canadian teacher is not only the conscientious Ms Cleghorn in class but also sweet Mary after class.

"Mary is a very good teacher. She is patient, responsible and welcomed by students. They benefit hugely from her help," Shi said.

By spending time with the students, Cleghorn has been able to develop strong bonds with people she would never have usually come into contact with and, not surprisingly, there is no so-called generation gap between them.

Homemade chocolate cookies and holiday souvenirs are some of the little surprises Cleghorn often brings to her students.

She recalled that her birthday last year was spent with her students.

 "They bought me a big delicious birthday cake and I was really excited about that," she said, beaming brightly.

Having lived in Chengjiaqiao for nearly four years, Cleghorn is now something of a celebrity in the area for her contributions.

She also gives English classes for doctors and nurses at the community hospital, play games with children at Hamilu No.1 Primary School and visits the kids at Changning Orphanage every week.

"I was brought up by being told to help and care for others," Cleghorn said. "When I was a child, I helped to mow lawns and organize charity parties. In Singapore, I attended the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I love animals and raise two cats."

Cleghorn is now a little worried about her class. Next year, she will move to California because her husband is being transferred. "I know there are lots of foreigners who want to do something for the community. I do hope someone can take over my job when I leave."