Have you ever wondered what life is like in China or the problems the population faces? Terri Wildemuth and her husband, Yan-Lin Li, visited Santa Fe High last month to educate students about Chinese culture and to share information about his life.

Li, although currently licensed in acupuncture and massage after studying in Beijing, grew up during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, which resulted in decreased access to education for him from a young age. Wildemuth and Li explained how he was pulled out of school at 14 and his school district closed for ten years. He was unable to find work, and during that time, approximately 60 million people starved to death.

According to Li and Wildemuth, China’s education system differs significantly from what American high schoolers are familiar with. They explained that students learn English when they are about six years old, and once they finish high school they are unable to pick the college they want to attend. Students instead take tests in three subjects: English, math, and science. The test that they score the highest on determines the college they are sent to, which specializes in that subject. In addition, Terri noted that students “do better in school” because they aren’t allowed to engage in romantic relationships because they cause a “deviation from academic goals.”

The visitors then explained how Li was sent to the border between Siberia and China. Although Li completed his term at the camp, he was too old to pursue a traditional education in China. He also faced more difficulties when his father spoke out against Chairman Mao, China’s dictatorial leader at the time. As a result, he was sent to a work camp, distancing Li further from his father.

Li and Wildemuth showed students some Chinese currency, explaining what the colors mean and who is on the bills. The Chinese currency is called “Yuan.” Students were given the chance to examine the Yuan and look at the details on the bill. Terri said that 50 Yuan equals about $8 USD.

Wildemuth met Li when she went to Shenyang, China, to teach English in 2005. This June, the couple will have been married for 11 years.