Jenna Hancock

Hunan: China's Heart

by Jenna Hancock

If Hunan Province was a person she would be a wise majestic older woman filled with memories of her distant and close past. "Why look at Changsha!" she'd say, explaining the history she knows so well. Changsha a bustling metropolis but it wasn't too long ago that the modern history of China began in this grand city. The beginning is the most important time period to any event and Chinese modern history began here in the center of all of China. Changsha is both that of contemporary and brilliant with a legacy known by all and a past forgotten by few; this centered city is the utmost important just like that of any center of locality.

We pause for a moment to admire what beauty Hunan beholds. Her appearance is that of Zhangjiajie's breathtaking scenic mountain topography, mysterious landmarks, and stunning river basins. The long finger tipped terrains remind us of how strong and slender Hunan's appearance embodies. Her strong hands are reminiscent of her years in the fields, her black flowing hair like that of the majestic Xiangjian River, and her eyes are the Dongting Lake crystal against the beautiful autumn sun!  Indeed Yueyang's sun kissed lake and ancient ruins are unmistakably discernible in Hunan's intense sight.  Her eyes also tell us of fervent courage and hope.  How much beauty can one behold?! She pauses to halt our flattery! Like the food in Hunan Province Hunan herself has a spicy but humorous tongue!

Hunan is an elegant and charming woman who tells us of the growing country around her, "Why look at Zhuzhou or Hengyang! Lively with business. Good fortune has come to so many. How could we be Hunan without our foundation?" What she means by her foundation are her legs which represent cities like that of Zhuzhou and Hengyang. Strong and fast, ever growing, and developing momentously.  Her legs can endure all of the great people's hopes and aspirations. Hopes like that of the future, a vision that has come true to countless countrymen in these imposing cities, and will come for so many seeking to make the foundation of Hunan ever greater.  Hope is that of a flame she carries high on a torch in the air and with her great legs runs through the open straightaway while millions upon millions watch with anticipating eyes and cheer courageous slogans of encouragement!

Why yes, Hunan is a wise and beautiful woman, but there is something more.  She looks at us with conviction and says, "Aren't the Hunan people great?" We almost stop breathing as she stares into our eyes and says, "Look, just look around!" She is referring to the people of Hunan. Ah, she reminds us of something we felt when we were a child or like a vision of our mother when we were young.  Hunan is not just a representation of a city, or a mountain, or place.  She is the people of Hunan both the strong and the meek; the rich and the poor; the young and the old.  Hunan weeps, "Oh! The Hunan people are so beautiful! Are they not? They work hard, they love their children and families, and they are the best of China! I know this for they are my heart!" Hunan tells us that the Hunan people are her heart the very center of her being, her soul.  You can see it in their eyes, their smile, and their kindness.  There are few people like that of the people of Hunan Province whose greatness is not measured in land or money but by the dept of their soul, limitless compassion, and magnitude of their heart.  "Hunan," we say "you are the heart of China."  Hunan embodies all that is great about China. We know why of course because China could not live without its heart which is that of Hunan Province. China's heart is the people like those that reside in Hunan Province.  Hunan with her unyielding valor and passionate heart; she herself has told us this, and so it is true.

I have learned more about life, compassion, humanity, and love here from my students at my school Ouyang Yu than I have ever learned anywhere in the world.  I look into my students faces and see optimism for the future, infinite kindness, and a hope for this country and the world. If everyone was as deeply wholesome and kind like the students, teachers, and townspeople that I have the pleasure to endure and encounter everyday we would live in a very wonderful world.  My time here in Hunan Province may be that of only two years but it will live forever in me and I doubt much will ever compare to it in my life.  I always want what is best for the people of this world but I especially want what's best for my students and the people of Hunan.  History may have begun here in China but humanity never ceased-if I could say one thing to the people of Hunan it would be to remember you are the heart of China and the heart is the most important-never change.