Teaching for 13 years now and helping mold students in Hubei, China, Marianne Lourdes Lenor, known as "Mary" to her students and colleagues, reflects on her journey which was filled with growth, challenges, and deep connections with the local community.
Marianne Lourdes Leonor and Mr. Wilson Lee Flores during the "Pandesal Forum" on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City.
“My students and my colleagues and all my friends in China call me Mary. Yes, I've been there for 13 years to be exact," she shared enthusiastically. "This month is my 13th year in China. And well, I didn't even realize it's already been 13 years. It's really fast,” she said in a forum on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Originally from Puerto Princesa City with roots in Coron, Palawan, Mary has built a fulfilling career as an English teacher in China, impacting the lives of more than 1,000 students through the years.
Mary was a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and initially taught English to Chinese students as a second language in 2010.
Prior to this, she was also hired as a teacher in Indonesia.
According to Mary, it was curiosity and a sense of adventure that pushed her to try her luck in Suizhou City, Hubei province.
The close proximity to the Philippines and the affordable living expenses there made it a practical choice. But she soon found out that China offered more than just convenience — it became her second home.
Since arriving in China in 2012, she has seen remarkable growth in her workplace.
"When I went there in 2012, we only had two schools—one middle school and one primary schoo. Now, we have five, including a kindergarten. But we don't have a high school yet," she explained.
"I teach in all five schools, working with students from two years old up to 15 years old. It’s very challenging because of the scheduling, but my employer ensures that I’m very comfortable,” she added.
Over the years, Mary has built strong relationships within her community.
"The people, the local community, especially my employer, make me feel very welcome. They take care of me," she said.
She also emphasized the love she has for her students whom she described as sweet and eager to learn.
Despite the rewarding experience, she also faced challenges, especially during the winter season.
"Winter is, for me, the most challenging season because it’s also one of the longest seasons,” she said.
However, she has since adapted to the seasonal changes, making her work feel like a walk in the park over time.
Mary was also provided free accommodation and food, allowing her to focus entirely on teaching and enjoying life in China.
She has built friendships with Chinese colleagues and often takes advantage of festival breaks to travel, visit temples, and explore the country's beautiful sites.
Currently, Mary has no plans to return to teach in Palawan. "At the moment, I don’t want to teach in Palawan yet. I’m happy with my work in China," she said.
Despite the business that her family has managed to put up, her love for teaching remains her passion, and she hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of her students in the years to come.
"Right now, I’m here because it’s our winter vacation. And tomorrow, I have to go back for my school’s second semester," she said.
With 13 years of experience and countless cherished memories, Mary remains grateful for the opportunities China has given her, proving that sometimes, taking a chance on a new adventure can lead to a life of fulfillment and happiness.