Background: I came to China in April to teach in a IELTS program in Shijiazhuang. Unfortunately the person in charge of the program could not find any students and the program never started. I was able to find one college student preparing to study in the United States and take the TOEFL but did not have enough work to pay the bills. I am looking for a full-time job if possible, but will accept part-time.

Language skills: Conversational. My proficiency in Mandarin has improved greatly since arriving in China three months ago, and will continue to improve as I stay longer. I would like to find an employer that can assist me in my studies. I learn quickly and would learn even faster with a tutor or regular practice partner of some kind. I studied Mandarin at The Evergreen State College (常青藤大学) in Olympia, Washington for 1.5 years before coming to China.

Educational Experience: I have finished 2 years of my college education and need an additional 2 to receive a degree. I am serious about continuing my education and have arranged with my college in the United States (The Evergreen State College) to conduct individual contract study while I am here in China. Working here does not interfere with my education. I did not know and was not told that I would need a TESOL or other certificate before coming to China, but I would be interested in getting one. I am a strong writer and can produce examples of my writing if the employer is interested.

Work Experience: I assisted my mother in running the family business for over three years. Her clients pay her to help them organize their households, move to another house, and with home-improvement projects. My work for my mother included moving furniture, packing and unpacking boxes, painting, and many other things. During the summer of 2009 I also worked for a landscaping company cutting grass on a US Navy base at Bangor, Washington, USA. The company is called Skookum and has many contracts with the US military for base maintenance. The money from that job paid for my second year of college. While in Shijiazhuang I found one job tutoring a college student preparing to take the TOEFL and study at a college in Washington State, USA, but this was only once or twice a week. I worked for a few days at a English-teaching kindergarten, but I am unsuited to teaching small kids.

Personality: I am a hard-working, well-motivated individual who is able to learn quickly and adapt to most new situations. I think my lack of experience should not be a problem. I enjoy living in a foreign country and learning a language. I think most employers will be very happy with the quality of my work if they hire me. I can be very humorous with friends and coworkers but I am normally a serious person, especially regarding work.

Passport: I currently hold an L-type visa that expires in September. I would appreciate the help of my future employer in extending that visa.