Animating Question
How can we share stories and communicate with intention to build connection and community?
River Hansen
Mandarin Teacher
BACKGROUND
River realized they had a passion for language learning and storytelling in high school, somewhere between attending unconventional German classes and independently studying J. R. R. Tolkien’s Elvish languages. In college, they took a Mandarin Chinese course on a whim, and they’ve been studying the language and culture ever since. They have over a decade of teaching experience, both English in China and Mandarin Chinese in the U.S. They are most passionate about using storytelling in their teaching practice – learning cultural stories, sharing our own personal stories, and collaboratively creating stories together. In addition, they love working on theatrical productions, and they have stage managed plays and musicals in educational, community, and professional theatre settings. Outside the classroom and the theater, River loves reading, fiber arts, and playing with their two dogs.
EDUCATION
B.A. Second Language Teaching and Learning, Hampshire College
WHAT THEY'D SAY TO THEIR 15-YEAR-OLD SELF
Often the most beautiful opportunities are unplanned and unpredictable–consider them anyway!
