Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Story
By Chen Miaolin
In a cozy corner of Wahaha Bilingual School Hangzhou (WBS）, a table is laid with an assortment of delectable pastries, with the sweet scent mingling with the faint aroma of tea.
A tall figure, with a demeanor of care, arranges the table with precision -- placing napkins, setting out plates, and pouring tea with concentration that signals he is preparing to welcome some important guests.
He is Trevor Bignall, WBS’s Foreign Vice Principal and Middle School Principal. He was waiting for ten teenagers from Grades 6 to 9, who were eagerly anticipated participants of the Principal’s Afternoon Tea for Students, a middle school event held every month. A tradition initiated by Trevor himself, it serves as a cornerstone for fostering a sense of community and encouraging open dialogue between him and his students.
As the students settled in, an initial stiffness lingered in the air. To break the ice, Trevor began by introducing himself to his young guests. “I’ve had many different roles in my life,” he began warmly, “and one of my favorites was working in the aviation industry.” His stories from the world of aviation, filled with vivid detail, captivated the students, who hung onto his every word, their curiosity piqued.
The students, initially shy, gradually found their voices as they introduced themselves and shared their hobbies -- ranging from sports to painting. Each response was met with a nod of encouragement and a smile from Trevor. When asked about their aspirations, the kids enlivened the room with dreams of becoming astronauts, lawyers, and designers, a testament to the diverse interests nurtured within the school’s walls. Slowly, laughter and the clink of china filled the air, and what had started as a formal gathering blossomed into an engaging and lively conversation.
Trevor skillfully steered the conversation towards questions to unlock a floodgate of ideas, from the homework to the students’ keen interest in global affairs, a testament to his ability to foster an environment where students feel heard and valued. His educational philosophy came through clearly in the interactions: he believes in exposing young minds to the world, igniting their curiosity, and showing them the joy of learning. “Education should inspire young minds and show them the world beyond,” he said with conviction.
Although Trevor boasts a wealth of educational experience, his journey into education was unconventional. Initially hesitant about teaching, it was his wife’s suggestion that led him to explore the field. He recalled a particularly challenging period in a UK school where he worked tirelessly to change the mindset of students who were disinterested in learning. “It was stressful, but seeing the students thank me at the end of the year made it all worthwhile,” he said. Their eventual gratitude and his success in inspiring them solidified his decision to pursue a career in education, and he has since devoted 20 years to the field.
With a background in leading mainstream and arts education institutes in the UK, Trevor brought his wealth to Hangzhou. His move to Hangzhou was driven by a desire to combine his love for culture and education, “I researched for seven months about China,” he said with eyes sparkling with excitement. “I wanted to set myself a challenge to see how education overseas compared to the UK. I try to combine the two education systems.”
Having lived in Hangzhou for five years, Trevor has grown fond of the city’s pace of life and its blend of tradition and modernity. “The greenery, the landscape, it’s exactly what I need at this stage of my life,” he reflected. “I’ve been very happy here.” For him, Hangzhou has become more than just a place of work; it’s a home that offers the balance he seeks between his bustling career and the tranquility he cherishes.
As one of the latest recipients of the Qianjiang Friendship Ambassador title, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering international friendship and cultural exchange in Hangzhou, he said proudly, “It’s a true honor. It means a lot to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication.”
As the afternoon tea concluded and the students left, Trevor remained there, tidying up the remnants of the afternoon’s gathering. The echoes of youthful laughter and vibrant conversations still lingered in the air, serving as a subtle reminder of his roles extending beyond that of an educator: a mentor, a friend, and a guide as the students navigate the complexities of adolescence and the world beyond.