From China to Canada and Back Again: My Journey as a Modern Single Mom and ESL Teacher
Growing up as a third culture kid and managing life as a single mother has been both challenging and rewarding. My name is Julie Liu, and my story spans from Mainland China to Edmonton, Canada, and back again. Presently, I am teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students ranging from kindergarten to middle school in Mainland China while also parenting my younger daughter. This unique journey has shaped my identity and perspectives, and I’m excited to share how my background influences my work and life. Finding My Identity Being a third culture kid means not fully belonging to one culture. I often describe myself as a blend of Chinese and Canadian cultures. It’s a mix of the rich traditions from my Chinese heritage and the open-mindedness I’ve embraced from Canada. Growing up in Edmonton exposed me to various cultures and perspectives. I learned to value open communication and community, which are significant elements of Canadian society. Simultaneously, I hold dear the custom...