Megan Murphy soaks up every minute she has in Hangzhou. Photo Zhou Ji
By Zhao Ye
As a foreign language teacher, Meaghan Murphy has learned to expect the unexpected -- like a secret note, an invited hotpot dinner, or a selfie taken with a stranger.
But when the graduate student at Indiana University，Bloomington rose to stardom on Douyin, Murphy, 27, found herself in an entirely uncharted territory. "I was very shocked to find myself suddenly became famous," says Murphy when asked her opinions of her overnight success.
Indeed, never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that she would become an internet celebrity and arrest so much attention on social media such as Sina Weibo, Red, and Bilibili. She was even regarded as a dream teacher by numerous netizens, and people joked that undergraduates will easily pass the CET-4 (College English Test Band 4) and CET-6 with her assistance. When she shared this exhilarating story with her husband and parents, they were astounded, conceived that she had made up this tale. But they finally believed her when Murphy sent them screenshots and newspapers.
Murphy acquired a taste for Hangzhou when she visited the city three years ago with a professor who was giving lectures. She was fascinated by the breathtaking scenery along the West Lake and felt extremely comfortable with the balmy weather here. That trip inspired her to learn Chinese and sparked her interest in teaching English in China.
An impulsive decision to apply for an English teaching position at the Hangzhou Normal University tied her fate closely to Hangzhou. She teaches English listening comprehension on campus and actively participates in English public speaking and debate training. Her coaching partner, Mr. Luo in the School of International Studies, spoke highly of her and complimented her on her attitude towards teaching, which he summarized in four adjectives: dedicated, professional, genuine, and patient.
During the class, Murphy observed the three contestants' performances and took notes from time to time. One of her priorities was correcting the students' pronunciation. She focuses on the accuracy of their pronunciation and effectiveness of their public speaking while supporting the contestants by setting herself as an example. In addition, students say that Murphy's communication style always makes them feel close to her, like an old friend they haven't seen in a long time.
Inside the classroom, she is a knowledgeable teacher; outside the classroom, she retains a thirst for information. Although it is not easy to earn a doctor's degree, Murphy spares no effort in realizing her goals. She once finished reading 150 books to prepare for an examination while saying goodbye to social media and removing all possible distractions. She usually ends her lesson plan or reads some classics on her commuting trips. To sum up, Murphy is an avid learner with good time management.
Despite the initial shock of getting famous, Murphy's teaching experience at the university is uneventful. She enjoys instructing and inspiring students though sometimes she needs to take the subway and shuttle between the Hangzhou Normal University's Cangqian Campus and Xiasha Campus, which generally takes her an hour and a half.
Besides working, Murphy leads a balanced and colorful life. Being a morning person who usually wakes up at 5:00 am, she seldom stays up late, but goes to bed at about 9:00 pm instead. This healthy living habit also enables her to appreciate Hangzhou's unique charm and beauty. She enjoys seeing the sunrise over the mountains, which gives her peace of mind. Murphy feels comfortable with the climate here as well. The soft breeze, intoxicating water, and fallen leaves never fail to lose herself in the fine views. No wonder she is so keen on strolling around the West Lake, observing a panorama view of Hangzhou, which includes toddlers, newly married couples, and the elderly. The vibrancy profoundly touches the English teacher's heart. She is soaking up every minute in Hangzhou -- and staying grateful for everything she encounters here, as she loves Hangzhou so much.