My name is Annie Clouatre. I have been an ESL teacher for the past 30 years. I am originally from the beautiful province of Quebec in Canada, but I now call Xi’an my HOME. As soon as I landed here, in July 2023, the school’s welcoming committee made sure I felt at ease. This feeling only grew more when I started orientation: I was not an IB specialist but I found, at XLIS, people who supported me and made me realize I could learn. I will forever be grateful to them. Being away from my roots can be challenging but I made friends easily and my “new family” keeps me grounded and happy. Xi’an also gives me new opportunities to discover its historically rich heritage.