Or: In my defense of my actions
Perhaps the best and most recent example is manually copying pictures of various sea creatures for my students. I could have easily had them photocopied somewhere but, of course, when it comes to doing things in China, one (me) would often opt for doing things themselves rather than having to interact with a real Chinese person. I spent a good two hours meticulously tracing sharks, turtles, whales and penguins and fish onto colored paper and then carefully cutting 6-7 of each animal. There was also some home laminating going, using packing tape to "laminate" each animal and again re-cutting the animal's outline. Did my students appreciate my hard work? For a moment, until they ripped the heads off.
Another good example was my controversial (to some) move to China. I could've easily stayed back in Seattle and found a "real" job and do my part pushing papers, contributing to a retirement program and taking the occasional exotic vacation wherein I binge drink and go clubbing. Instead, I moved to China, the place where the world loves to hate, a country full of superlatives and continues to make global headlines. However, if there are millions of people learning Chinese, I must be doing something right.
Living in China has not been easy for obvious reasons- culture, language, people, climate, customs, etc. Finding an apartment, navigating public transportation, eating food or shopping all runs the risk of us being cheated or ripped off because we are foreigners. Knowing that we have overcome all of this, as cheesy as it sounds, shows the ability to overcome ambiguity. Especially if learning a second language is involved. If I can do it in China, where it is impossible to do anything the easy way with a limited knowledge of the language, I can do it anywhere!
Doing things the easy way can materialize in a certain demographic; I like to think of my peers who work to make money and spend it on frivolous things like the newest iPhone, expensive clothes, drinks at the club or vacations to Vegas (notorious for spending money faster than you earn it). At some point, they will settle down and start a family, unless the baby comes first and then the plans are mixed up. It makes me uncomfortable thinking of pursuing a lifestyle like this knowing I am capable of other things. What, exactly? That's what "doing things the hard way" is about, I guess. Something more relevant, more worthwhile and something that contributes to society, more than just the immediate economic effects that occur when I buy and consume.
