Dmitrieva Lisa, a teacher from Russia, was playing the piano and teaching English to children in an international kindergarten in Foshan, Guangdong Province, when GDToday reporters came to her for an interview.

"Besides being a teacher, I also want to be their best friend,"Lisa said in the interview. As a child, she desperately needed someone who could give her guidance and love, so now she wants to be that personfor others.

A friendship that cures loneliness and accompanies growth

In June 2010, Lisa's mother was invited to teach violin at a music school in Foshan. As an adventurous 14-year-old girl, Lisa joined her mother on this journey to China.

"At that time, I had no idea that my life would have changed like this, or that I would one day be able to speak three languages and one dialect (Russian, English, Mandarin, Cantonese) fluently."

"I was introverted and shy at first. But I mustered the courage to talk with Foshan locals, and they turned out to be incredibly hospitable."Lisa led GDToday's reporters to a small convenience store that she used to visit, and happily greeted the shopkeeper. "It's been a while since I last visited the store, but the boss is still as friendly as before."When asked about Lisa's Chinese proficiency, the shopkeeper gave her a thumbs-up and considered her Chinese "Excellent!"

In addition to daily communication with local acquaintances, Lisa also gained a special friendship which warmed her during adolescence. At the age of 15, Lisa met Wei Huanyi, a Chinese girl of similar age. Since both were fans of the same idol group, they soon became good friends. Initially, they did not speak exactly the same language, as they communicated in a peculiar blend of Chinese, Cantonese and body language. The two girls often hang out together and stroll around the Chancheng District of Foshan.

This friendship allowed Lisa to gradually adapt to life in China and became one of her best experiences growing up.

Be a teacher, but also a good friend

In 2020, Lisa joined an international kindergarten in Foshan. While teaching, she is always sensitive to children's emotions, and timely helps and cares about them.

"I once met a 6-year-old boy who often lost his temper in my class. I found that he lacked security. It is probably because he had a younger brother recently, and he thought his parents would not love him anymore,"Lisa explained. To comfort the boy, Lisa kept talking with him to help him deal with his negative emotions.

Lisa's childhood and language learning experiences provide a unique perspective and inspiration for her "educational philosophy". Rather than being a strict teacher, she is more like a good friend who plays with and hugs the kids, encouraging them to express their feelings bravely in English.

"When a child cries, my first instinct is to say, 'Do you want a hug? Or you can vent your emotions first, then we will chat and find out why you are unhappy,'"Lisa said. Her open mind makes her a dependable companion to many students.

"Foshan is my home now"

Foshan welcomed Lisa with inclusiveness and kindness. She plans to continue her career and life in this city.

In addition to being a preschool teacher, Lisa also works part-time as a foreign host for some local media outlets. She often records English videos with her co-host to introduce Foshan's interesting places, food, and intangible cultural heritages to audiences from all over the world.

"I think I am luckier than most. I have a stable job and an opportunity to be a host. Although it is tiring, I cherish my life now. I want to have a career while I am young,"Lisa said.

Foshan, in Lisa's eyes, is a pleasant, peaceful, clean and safe city. "The lifestyle here is comfortable, neither too fast nor too slow. No matter what kind of life you like, there is a suitable place for you,"Lisa emphasized. "I feel at home when walking on the streets here. There is no need to go home, as Foshan has become my home."

While saying these words, Lisa also greeted the security guard of her neighbourhood loudly. She raised a relaxed and happy smile as if she were at home.