Joel Benavidez: a teacher, a history lover, and an individual of HFI

HFI has been a pivotal part of my life as a teacher, a history lover, and as an individual. The five years I have spent with HFI have been some of the best in my teaching career. As I continue contributing to making the school’s vision and mission a reality, the history enthusiast in me will never tire of seeing my students succeed in the paths they have chosen and collaborating with my dynamic colleagues.

I have been a teacher for almost two decades now. Back in the Philippines, my students were of Chinese ancestry, and my experience with them strengthened my determination to take a leap and apply for a teaching job here in China. Among the schools where I tried my luck, HFI captivated my interest the most. The school’s excellent performance compared to other international schools in China and the talented students it nurtures were the primary reasons why I chose to teach at HFI. When I signed my first work contract with HFI, designated as an AP Biology and Environmental Science teacher, the school administration ensured I was well supported so that I could focus on enjoying teaching and learning with my students and colleagues. Indeed, the students were truly brilliant. I will never forget the first batch I handled back in 2019. They were, by far, the boldest, most eloquent, and most outspoken students I have ever taught. They were never afraid to ask questions beyond the lessons and always stood their ground in a respectful manner. Over the years, the school has helped shape my pedagogy through various initiatives introduced by the administration and my colleagues. The dynamic students I have worked with have inspired me to craft more engaging and enjoyable lessons.

My time at HFI has allowed me to achieve the work-life balance I have always wanted. The flexible schedule, supportive colleagues, and caring school community have made teaching more enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to learn about the colorful cultures of various Chinese provinces through my interactions and discussions with students and colleagues. As an HFI teacher, I have been able to live in and explore China, learning more about its fascinating history. The school has supported my passion for history through activities such as cultural outings and international days. The history enthusiast in me is fulfilled by having the time to study China’s rich past while teaching bright students in a friendly and nurturing environment.

At present, I do not see myself teaching anywhere other than HFI. The students, the people, and the community as a whole have made life more meaningful than ever before. I am forever grateful for being part of the HFI family and remain committed to helping students reach their potential and succeed in their chosen fields. I wish HFI continued success as it celebrates its 20th anniversary and hope the school will be blessed with many more years of growth and achievement.

以下为译文：

在过去的五年里，HFI已成为我作为教师、历史爱好者以及生命个体中不可或缺的重要组成部分，这段时光堪称我教学生涯中最为精彩、意义非凡的篇章。如今，我依旧全身心地投入到助力学校实现愿景与使命的征程中，内心深处那份对历史的热爱与执着也从未因岁月流逝而有丝毫减退，反而愈发炽热，只为见证学生们在各自选择的道路上取得成功，与充满活力的同事们携手共进。

教师生涯的跨越与成长

我投身教育行业已有近二十年之久。在菲律宾时，我的学生们大多拥有中国血统，与他们相处的经历坚定了我勇敢迈出舒适区，来到中国申请教职的决心。在众多学校中，HFI以其卓越的办学成绩和对人才的精心培育脱颖而出，深深吸引了我。相较于中国其他国际学校，HFI在学术领域的突出表现和对学生成长的重视，让我毫不犹豫地选择了这里。

2019年，我与HFI签订了第一份工作合同，担任AP生物和环境科学老师。学校管理层全力支持我，让我得以心无旁骛地与学生和同事一起享受教学和学习的乐趣。学生们的表现也确实令人惊艳，因为他们对知识怀有着浓厚的兴趣。我至今仍清晰记得2019年接手的第一批学生，他们是我教学生涯中最为大胆、口才最为出众、表达最为直接的一群孩子。他们从不畏惧提出超出课堂内容的问题，总能以尊重的方式坚定地表达自己的观点。与他们的互动，让我真切地感受到了教学相长的魅力。

教学理念的塑造与提升

在HFI的这些年，学校通过管理层和同事们推出的一系列举措，不断助力我完善教学理念。从课程设计到教学方法，我都在不断地学习与成长。与此同时，那些充满活力的学生们也激发了我打造更具吸引力、更富有趣味性的课堂的动力。我努力将专业知识与学生的兴趣爱好相结合，让每一堂课都成为学生们期待的探索之旅。

工作与生活的完美平衡

HFI为我提供了理想的工作与生活的平衡。灵活的工作时间、同事们的无私支持以及充满关爱的校园氛围，让教学工作变得格外愉快。在与学生和同事们的交流与讨论中，我得以深入了解中国各省份丰富多彩的文化，这不仅拓宽了我的视野，也为我的教学注入了新的活力。作为一名HFI教师，我还有机会深入体验中国各地的风土人情，探寻这片土地上令人着迷的历史。学校对历史文化很重视，文化出游、国际日等活动为我提供了丰富的学习资源和平台。在忙碌的教学之余，我能够静下心来研究中国悠久的历史，这份对历史的热爱在HFI得到了充分的满足。

对未来的展望与承诺

如今，我已无法想象自己在除HFI之外的其他学校任教。这里的每一位学生、每一位同事以及整个社区，都让我的生活变得比以往任何时候都要有意义。我由衷地感谢能够成为HFI大家庭的一员，并将继续坚守承诺，助力学生们挖掘自身潜力，帮助他们在各自选择的领域取得成功。在HFI迎来20周年庆之际，我衷心祝愿学校未来能够继续蓬勃发展，收获更多成长与成就，培养出一代又一代的优秀人才，为社会的发展做出更大的贡献。

作者：Joel Benavidez

（AP Biology, AP Environmental Science Teacher）

中文译文：2023级李美清Sophie