Joy Clendenning – Chinese Express
What do you do?
I am a Certified K-12 Chinese Teacher in WI. I am from China, I love my language and culture, so my passion is to share my country with others. After teaching in public school for 4 years, I started my own business – Chinese Express, in order to help people of all ages learn the Chinese language and culture. I teach private and group Chinese lessons, I teach authentic Chinese cooking lessons, and I help families who have adopted/are adopting children from China with their adoption process.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
I love learning about language and culture. I’d say one of the most helpful classes is the one I attended in Milwaukee, WI at a private college on skills of teaching Chinese to young kids. Reading books about different cultures also fascinates me!
What do you like best about your job?
I love the fact that I am able to share my knowledge of my country with students of all ages and groups. In my Chinese language class, I have students from 6 years old to 58 years old; from children to businessman; from language lover to adopted children who wants to learn their heritage. Cooking has always been my hobby, and I am a foodie. I used to have to go to NY to get authentic food from China, now I am so happy to show people in the Wausau area what authentic Chinese food is like.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Believe in yourself, share what you love, follow your passion and dream, have a goal and work hard on it.
Anything else we should know?
- I was just asked to share my story about helping others on an adoption website – No Hands But Ours
- The Ginseng Board of Wisconsin has made a motion in their meeting to take lessons from me, and it is approved
- I am working on the second annual Chinese New Year event for Wausau area