Chinese woman’s search for kind former foreign tutor sparks flood of shared memories

A Chinese woman’s quest to reconnect with a former foreign teacher who profoundly influenced her outlook on life has sparked a collective online effort to locate him.Wang Yu, a community worker in Shanghai, graduated from China-normal-university" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="16501" data-entity-type="organization">East China Normal University in 2005 with a degree in tourism management.Wang informed the SCMP that the teacher, known only as Evans, was an American who taught her an elective English course during her university years. For three years, he selflessly supported her academic pursuits by offering free tutoring outside of class hours.Beyond his teaching duties, Evans invested his own money to establish a small photo studio in the reception area, capturing cherished memories for his students.Beyond his regular teaching duties, Evans invested his own money to set up a small photo studio in the reception area, capturing cherished memories for his students. Photo: QQ.comWang estimates that Evans is now likely in his 70s. Two decades ago, he stood out with his curly grey hair, tailored suits, and fluent Mandarin.In his classroom, desks and chairs were arranged in a circle, with the centre reserved for students to sing, deliver speeches, and perform magic tricks. He even shared the joy of making dumplings with his students.His unique teaching style helped Wang build confidence in her English skills, influencing her professional approach later on. In 2019, while promoting child-friendly communities, she replicated Evans’ circular classroom layout, enabling children to draw and engage at the centre.Evans also expressed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. His Chinese name, Wen Xiaofan, reflected his passion for sailing, along with his admiration for the free-spirited philosophy of the ancient Chinese thinker Zhuangzi, Wang noted.During one summer holiday, Wang explored Shanghai with Evans’ two daughters. The photographs they took together remain among her most treasured keepsakes.To Wang, Evans was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor and a guiding figure whose influence reshaped her perspective on life. He bestowed upon her the English name “Grace,” inspired by his grandmother’s middle name.A colourful glimpse into Evans’s classroom, where desks were arranged in a circle to give students a central stage for singing, speeches, and magic tricks. Photo: QQ.comHowever, after Wang graduated from university, the pair lost touch when she lost her phone.Each Teacher’s Day, Wang sends gifts to the educators who have impacted her life, but Evans is the only one she has been unable to reconnect with.In August, she posted an English letter on RedNote, hoping to find him. The post quickly went viral; former students shared memories and clues, including his full name, Curtis Roy Evans, and a possible birth year of 1953.Some recalled that Evans always carried a thick English dictionary, while others fondly remembered singing “Scarborough Fair” and “You Are My Sunshine” in his class.One former student noted their magic tricks performed under his guidance; another recalled his consistent reminders to wear helmets while cycling.A class in session with Evans, the teacher Wang credits with changing her outlook on life through his constant encouragement and support. Photo: QQ.comA US-based online user suggested that Evans may have once lived in Hawaii but has since relocated.Wang has prepared gifts for Teachers’ Day, celebrated on October 5, including a notebook and pen holder. She expressed her willingness to welcome any form of contact, whether through emails, messages, or video calls.“I can accept that he may not want to be disturbed. I only hope to know that, somewhere in the world, he is safe and happy,” she added.Further Reading