Julien, such a nice young man has left
It was such a big surprise to me when Julien told me he would leave China for Paris in one week, Paris is his hometown. "what? will you leave?" I surprised to make sure what he said last sunday when I went to his house, I know there is still half years for him to teach in the college as the contract stipulated, and he was enjoying such a happy and wonderful living and working in the city and the college, and he ever told me, he wouldn't leave here, and hope to marry a Chinese girl.
" I just begin to have teaching experience and get used of everything like culture, food and people, and have maken so many Chinese friends here, but I decide to leave, I have considered it for two days, I am not an animal, and shouldn't be treated like that", he said angrily.
As the number of the SARS patient was increasing in my province, even there is only one case in my city, the college had decided to close students on campus, no special reason they cann't go out of the college. And also the college enhanced measures to protect foreign teacher Julien, like suggesting he not travel and teaching him knowledge of preventing SARS, but Julien's direct boss, a crazy lady, many people think she is crazy, seemed overdoing it. She didn't permit Julien going out of the college without her following, and didn't like Julien to go to students' dorm, and every two hours, she would make phone or go to Julien's house to sure him in. Probably she thought Julien was such a lively young man, closing him in house is the safest measure, just like most Chinese parents take the measure to their child.
"it is not unfair to me, I am a teacher, why your Chinese teachers can go out of the college freely, why cann't I? I know how to prevent SARS, I have many friends out of the college, and also my girlfriend is out of the college, without them, I will be bore", he told me with a red face, obviously, he was extremly angry. " last evening, I was so lonely and bore and I climb wall to go out to meet friends, it is my first time climbing wall in my life, it is a big shame to me." when he sadly told me, what such a poor Julien before me.
"I am not afraid SARS, I don't want to leave, China is a great country, I like Chinese people, food and language, but I have no choice, I don't know how long will I be closed, no free, just like fish no water for me, so I have to leave."
"Why not to tell your idea to her and try to negotiate with her?" I said. " I have tried, but she didn't respect me, just refused me", Julien said.
In last one week, I helped Julien to do ready for his leaving. It is such a big loss to me, students and people in the city. Julien is a 24 years old boy, he is kind, lively, optimistic. Students and I not only studied English from him, but also got to know some different ideas and living ways from him, he did bring some nice and fresh air to the college and people in the city. People often can see Julien help others in the street, help old man and children. He liked to talk with people in the street, liked to make friends with them.
" I must come back when SARS is over, I cann't forget here", When I saw him off on the airport, he said.
Now when I am writing this article, Julien should be on bed changing time at home in Paris, but for me it seems he hasn't left since things changed so quick. Just let me give my best wishes to Julien and hope he come back soon.
Standly
