Hi! My name is Matt, known to my Chinese friends as 马智勇. I came to China more than a year ago as a member of the U.S. - China Friendship Volunteers (美中友好志愿者) and work as a volunteer teacher in the Chongqing municipality. As a friendship volunteer, I have tried my best to integrate into my local university community and to learn from my Chinese friends, neighbors, students, and colleagues. The Chinese people I’ve met are amazing beyond words – they live with such passion and are truly happy. Since arriving, I’ve also extensively studied the Chinese language, culture, and history and really value the background it has given me on understanding this AMAZING country. I think I’m beginning to learn the true meaning of 源远流长, 辉煌灿烂的中国文化 after living in China.
I've also tried to teach more people about America, Americans, and our culture. It is fair to say there are many misunderstandings between our two countries. But are we really that different? We both care about our family, our loved ones, their health and happiness, and want a good life in a harmonious society. I think that the relations between U.S. and China will be one of the most important world issues in the 21st century. If good relations, and not just between the U.S. and China but between ALL COUNTRIES, don’t start with friendship, where do they start? I may just be one of a small group of volunteers, but if I can help one American understand more about China, then I have succeeded. If I can help one Chinese person understand a little more about America, then I have succeeded as well. But if I had the opportunity to carry the torch, I could spread my message of friendship to the whole world!
I think it is great to allow us foreigners who live in China the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch. I would be incredibly proud to have this honor and carry the torch not only in the name of China and America, but also in the name of world friendship!
