Mai laoshi co-taught my first CHIN101 class at Carleton. I was apprehensive about starting a new language (since my high school French class had been a struggle) but Mark’s teaching expertise and great sense of humor made the class not only manageable, but transformative. My incredible introductory experience in Chinese was the catalyst in my Asian Studies major (with Mark as my advisor for my final term). I got to study abroad, take classes on topics I was extremely interested in (Chinese Social Criticism was probably one of my favorite classes), and learn a language important to my understanding my cultural heritage. None of this would have happened without Mark. Finally, I appreciated his willingness to come hang out with my friends at WHOA house during our “bring a faculty member/staff” night…our food was, I’m sure, terrible.
Congratulations on your retirement!