I guess he was saving the best till last because on our long car ride from LiJiang to Stone Drum Tom turned around in his seat and said “Now I am going to tell you about my life”. His story gave us insight on what it was like in China 25 years ago.
Tom had an older brother so it was a given that he would not inherit the farm and be a farmer. Unfortunately he was not a good student in school and even confessed he only got a 3 (out of a 100) on his Math Exam in their version of 9th grade. His only option left was the Army. He wasn’t crazy about that career route so when he was being tested for the Army he faked being colorblind and got turned down. With that possibility removed his family sent the 15 yr old Tom to boarding school. The cost and quality were both low. Tom said they spent their afternoons literally building other dorms and classrooms. He said it was his first time away from home where he had to cook and wash clothes for himself. The school was located 20 kilometers away so he walked home on the weekends and had to carry back all the water, food, and supplies he would need for the next week. At this school he was motivated to change his attitude and life by a new teacher and a bike. The young teacher owned a bike, which was a rarity, and bribed the kids with letting them ride it if they did their assignments. Tom was willing to study hard just so he could learn how to ride that bike. That's when he finally saw the "error of his ways" and decided to really work hard in all subjects. He never got much better in Math but he discovered an aptitude for languages and ended up being the good tour guide he is today. He borrowed money from all his relatives (one advantages of having a big extended family) and went to college. This is China’s version of the ‘college loan’. Tom says he is now paying it back by giving money to help other family members go to college. Interesting story - thanks for sharing it Tom!
