Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Shen Zuxiao) news: "Mr. Chen, I wish you a happy Spring Festival. I did well in all subjects for the final exams. Please don't worry, I will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations." During the Spring Festival, Chen Hanzhang was deeply touched when he received the festive greetings from Surye Osman, one of his students who is now in middle school. Having worked as a teacher in China’s Xinjiang for seven years, he always receives heartfelt greetings from students and parents during every festival.

Chen Hanzhang came to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from northwest China’s Gansu Province and has been working in Kuqa City of Xinjiang for these years, growing from an ordinary teacher to an elementary school principal. "Xinjiang is a fertile land for teaching and educating people, as well as an ideal place for fulfilling dreams and pursuing careers," said Chen Hanzhang.

In July 2017, shortly after graduating from university, Chen Hanzhang resolutely chose a school in Kuqa City of Xinjiang at a job fair organized by his university. The following year, he was assigned to teach at Bukaqi Primary School in Wuzun Town, Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo shows Chen Hanzhang (first from the left) and other faculties conduct teaching and research activities. (Photo provided by Chen Hanzhang)

When Chen Hanzhang first arrived at Bukaqi Primary School in Wuzun Town, he found that the school's environment and conditions were much better than he had imagined. The well-equipped facilities greatly exceeded his expectations.

Ahmat Helil, the principal at the time, treated Chen Hanzhang like his own brother, always taking care of him. During holidays such as National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Teachers' Day, Ahmat and other school leaders would visit Chen with gifts. The teachers' team often invited him to join their team-building activities and exchanges. Every weekend, his colleagues of local often warmly invited him to their homes, preparing dishes like pilaf, big plate chicken (fried chicken with potatoes), and hand pulled noodles, which are typical Xinjiang delicacies. Some students' parents also invited him to their homes for home visits during festivals, treating him with fruits, melons, and fragrant naan. All these gestures made Chen Hanzhang feel deeply warmed and further strengthened his determination to become an excellent teacher.

With determination comes action. Everything around him became a resource for his learning, whether it was a flash of inspiration from a student or a moment of brilliant teaching from his colleagues. Whenever he had insights, he would jot them down. In his free time, he often reviewed the bits and pieces he had recorded over the past days and, with time, he began to see tangible results from his efforts.

On the podium, Chen Hanzhang often used lively and interesting stories and colorful knowledge to stimulate students' interest in learning. The first batch of students he taught achieved remarkable results, with seven of them successfully enrolling in the junior high school classes within Xinjiang with excellent grades.

With the support of his superiors, Chen Hanzhang began to innovate teaching methods boldly. He was well aware that traditional classroom teaching could no longer satisfy the children's thirst for knowledge and curiosity about the outside world. Therefore, he embarked on revolutionizing the classroom by introducing interactive and experiential teaching methods, making the classroom lively and engaging.

Chen Hanzhang led his students out of the classroom and into nature, giving them extra opportunity to experience the magnificent scenery and profound cultural heritage of Xinjiang. Under his guidance, the students embarked on a study tour, visiting Subashi Ancient City to feel the vicissitudes and glory of this thousand-year-old city, exploring the Qiuci Wei and Jin Ancient Tomb Site Museum to experience the historical depth spanning millennia, wandering through the alleys of Qiuci and immersing themselves in the rich culture of the region.

"These study tours have broadened my horizons and enriched my knowledge," said Almira Abay, a student from Sanxing Village Elementary School in Wuzun Town.

Stretching snow-capped mountains, vast gobi deserts, expansive sand seas, and scattered oases dotted in between... Whenever there are holidays, Chen Hanzhang would drive to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang. "The undulating and majestic geographical landscape of Xinjiang presents a breathtaking beauty that often leaves me speechless with awe. Choosing to work in Xinjiang has been the wisest decision I've ever made," he said.

During this year's Spring Festival, Chen Hanzhang returned to his hometown to celebrate with his parents. Every time he met with classmates and friends, they would ask him, "Teaching in Xinjiang for all these years, it must have been very tough, right?" "What’s in Xinjiang that made you choose to stay there?"ㅤ

Every time, he would reply, "For young people, Xinjiang offers many development opportunities. I hope more young people will go to Xinjiang for self-development because Xinjiang has a unique charm that makes people fall deeply in love with everything there once they arrive."

Since starting his teaching career in 2018, Chen Hanzhang has been appointed as the vice principal of Bukaqi Elementary School in Wuzun Town, the principal of Yingnihe Elementary School in Wuzun Town, the principal of Yabeixi Elementary School in Wuzun Town, and the principal of Sanxing Village Elementary School in Wuzun Town. "I owe my success not only to my own hard work but also to the supportive environment of Xinjiang, a place where dreams can truly take root and grow." said Chen Hanzhang.

Today, Chen Hanzhang has taken root in Xinjiang. In 2022, he married his girlfriend, who is also a teacher, and they bought a house in Kuqa City. Speaking of the future, he is full of confidence. "Xinjiang is where my dreams took off and also the big stage for my career development. I will persist and cultivate more talented individuals for the country. May Xinjiang witness my growth and achievements."

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