Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Vanessa Delgado came to China three years ago with her then-boyfriend for a job to advance her teaching career. Sadly, one of those two things did not last. A couple of months later, she parted ways with said boyfriend but fell in love with China. Since October 2019, she has been working as a high school teacher teaching Theory of Knowledge and Philosophy for the IB Diploma, as well as honors level Psychology.

A self-professed couch potato, Delgado enjoys her Netflix and YouTube nights. But she also admits to being a bit of a nerd who's always armed with a non-fiction book to keep her occupied. Right now, she's simultaneously reading a poem book by Federico Garcia Lorca and a book on the History of Chinese Philosophy. She's also trying to teach herself to draw and paint, starting with flowers, which she finds "easier." With the lockdown in place, Delgado recently started biking around Beijing and discovered that she loves it.

"One of the main things that keeps me going is the incredible people I have met in China. I think that there is such a unique profile to the people in this country, both Chinese and expats. From my extremely smart students who are genuinely fun, smart, great kids, to my amazing group of friends and my partner as well."

"Some of the dear friends I have made here have had babies over the past few months, and they still love it here. I find it inspiring; it makes me feel like we are all in it together. I feel that as expats, we grow very close together, and my friends have become like my family outside my home country. These are people I will always hold close to my heart."

Delgado also has "a huge obsession" with finding delicious food all around Beijing and has not been disappointed so far. "We do lots of Lush sandwiches and Pyro pepperoni pizzas. Also, delicious siew mai from Otto's restaurant and our own at-home hotpot. When I want a little taste from home, I order arepas and empanadas from Andino. I also live and die for Pebbles!"

We asked Delgado's advice on how parents can help kids to better adjust to the new online learning routine.

"Parents should get actively involved with what their kids are learning. Ask them how their day was and what they learned today, and try to explore the things that they are learning about. Stay curious, stay active, and stay engaged! Learning is an activity after all, and teachers are with students for just a few hours a day!"

Images: Courtesy of Vanessa Delgado