A woman in a white blouse and dark jeans stands on a city street, with a restaurant and pedestrians in the background. She carries herself with the calm confidence of an instructor, ready to engage minds and inspire learning.

Inspirational Teacher’s Journey: Shanghai to SF

Education

"I'm a 34-year-old teacher living in San Francisco. My days are usually filled with a mix of classroom chaos and moments of quiet reflection. I teach history at a local high school, and I love it, despite the occasional stress and endless grading. Growing up in Shanghai, I always had a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, which naturally led me to teaching. I moved to the U.S. for college, got my degree in education, and decided to stay. I start my mornings early with a hot cup of jasmine tea, something I picked up from my grandmother. She always said it helps clear the mind. Breakfast is usually light, maybe some congee with pickled vegetables, which reminds me of home. My schedule is pretty irregular, with after-school activities and tutoring sessions, but I always try to make time for a good meal. My partner, Alex, works in tech, and we often find ourselves comparing our vastly different work worlds. He jokes that my job is way harder because I deal with 'bugs' that talk back. We both share a love for cooking and trying new recipes. Weekends are our time to explore the city's food markets or experiment with new dishes at home. I recently tried making baozi, which turned out surprisingly well. I try to stay healthy, but I won't lie; there are days when a slice of chocolate cake is the only thing that can turn my day around. Dinner is my favorite meal because it's when I can really relax and unwind. I love making a big pot of hot and sour soup, especially on cooler evenings. One thing I've learned is that teaching isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about connecting with students and making a difference in their lives. It's challenging, but seeing a student finally 'get it' makes it all worth it. My favorite local dish has to be the San Francisco-style clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It's a perfect blend of flavors, and the bread soaks up the chowder just right."

Recipes to Try

1

A white cup of soothing floral tea with floating flowers rests on a saucer. Beside it lies a sprig with two small yellow blooms, all elegantly set on a gray surface.

Jasmine Tea Soothing Floral Tea

Jasmine tea is a fragrant, light, and soothing beverage that originates from China. It is traditionally infused with the aroma of jasmine blossoms, creating a delicate floral experience with every sip.

Check out this recipe

2

A comforting congee bowl topped with sliced red chilies, pickled vegetables, and chopped green onions, served with a black spoon on the side.

Comforting Congee with Pickled Vegetables

A comforting and nutritious rice porridge served with tangy pickled vegetables, reminiscent of home.

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3

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, mushrooms, green onions, and bok choy sits on a marble surface. A white cloth is placed to the left of the bowl— a comforting twist for your favorite Hot and Sour Soup recipe.

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

A flavorful and tangy soup, perfect for a comforting dinner on cooler evenings.

Check out this recipe

4

A bamboo steamer basket containing four savory pork steamed buns with a decorative pattern on top, accompanied by its lid placed to the side.

Homemade Baozi – Savory Pork Steamed Buns

Steamed buns filled with savory pork, perfect for a homemade treat.

Check out this recipe

5

A San Francisco-style bread bowl filled with creamy clam chowder, garnished with parsley, is placed on a plate. Two bowls of soup, a spoon, and a napkin accompany it on a pristine white surface.

San Francisco-Style Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl

Creamy and flavorful clam chowder served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl.

Check out this recipe

6

A moist chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar rests on a cooling rack.

Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

This decadent, rich chocolate cake is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s after a long day or to celebrate small victories, this cake provides that much-needed sweet indulgence.

Check out this recipe