"I Feel Welcome Here Even Without Chinese", Dawn Garretson

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Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

As a science teacher at one of Beijing's international schools, Dawn Garretson advocates for sustainable fashion and mental health. She loves spending the weekends with her family or volunteering at Roundabout's charity shop. Originally from the Philippines, Dawn has lived and worked in the United States and Asia.

What's On Your Mind?

Recently I'm taking a professional development course offered by Inspire Citizens, called Master Teacher Endorsement, which I find very relevant, inspiring, and transformative. One of the courses is on Education for Sustainable Development. We were made to reflect on our life-worth and our Ikigai. I'm enlightened after watching a video about David Brooks (a New York Times columnist) where he talked about his latest book, The Road to Character. Brooks shared about his insights from the lives of Saint Augustine and Frances Perkins. Through the life of Frances Perkins, we can learn about finding our vocation. According to Brooks, instead of asking ourselves, "What do I want from life?" we can ask: "What is life summoning me to do? What is the world's deepest problem that meets my deepest need?"

What Motivates You To Get Moving?

I think volunteering for Roundabout gives me a sense of social responsibility. I am grateful to be alive and to keep on living. Back in 2015, I was diagnosed with PTSD that's work-related. So I have to resign from my full-time teaching career. I have symptoms of severe clinical depression and I was suicidal. Since recovering from PTSD, I realized that my deepest need is "community" and "belongingness." So by volunteering my services to Roundabout, I'm able to, albeit indirectly, give those leukemic children a chance to live and grow to enjoy their lives with their families and community and hopefully become good citizens that our world needs.

What Keeps You Sane In The Madness?

My morning routine in the morning that I absolutely carve out time for – where I do my meditation and yoga. Creating that space, physically, and spiritually, for myself helps. I’m also a part of a meditation community organized by Masooma, which meets every Tuesday. The meditation, loving-kindness, and reflection, really keeps me sane!

What's Your Favorite Thing About Beijing?

On some Sundays last spring, I joined a drum circle at Houhai Park (by the Bell Tower). That’s one of the things I like about Beijing. I feel welcome to join their community even if I don’t speak or understand Chinese. We speak drums (or WeChat translate)!

Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!

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