My name is Lori Qian (pronounced “Chen”) and I am a teacher, author, entrepeneur, and Mom to three amazing teenagers. I have traveled to more than 20 countries and lived in China for more than a decade. I love adventure, I embrace change, and love the art of lifelong learning. I am an expert at teaching writing and helping individuals (from third graders to CEO’s) with a wide variety of writing projects, whether it be teaching students how to improve their writing or, in the case of …
Love in the time of Covid
Covid-19 has changed all of us. It's changed our family, our country, and really, our world. No matter where you land on the political spectrum, no matter your philosophy on masks, on healthcare, government, or science---you've been impacted. At least we are all united by that. I think most of us are also united by the fact that we aren't quite living up to our Quarantine Goals. Feels strange to type that phrase----that there could even be goals around a quarantine, but admit it---you had …
It’s Been a Year….
It's been a year since we moved to the good 'ol USA. There have been hard times and adjustments but I am extremely grateful for all the learning that has occurred. In our family scripture study this morning, we discussed how we grow from our trials, and sometimes we are even....grateful...for the pain we've gone through. With a choice to focus on the positive, I'll share a few things that stand out in the "win" column this year, our first year in the USA. I survived moving the kids and I to …
Eight Months in the USA Already
Hard to believe it's been 8 months already. From a city of 15 million, to a city of 15 thousand---we have made this our home. Alpine is a wonderful place and we are enjoying the new life here with all that Utah has to offer. My sweet kids have impressed me so much with their open-mindedness and willingness to try new things, make new friends, and embrace the opportunities here. They are working hard at school, they love our church and neighborhood community, and they've all made friends at …
We are All Transformers
I still don't know if this is the greatest word for it, but I'm a transformer. No, not the one you're thinking of, but to move from one form of something to another, to make that transition, is to transform, right? It's more than just a transition, and it's beyond simple change. When we transform, we are still "us", but we do take on a different form---in whatever capacity is needed. My transformations have not happened suddenly, and there have been several throughout my life. But lately …
7 Life Lessons for Women
As Women’s Day approaches, I’ve reflected on lessons I’ve learned throughout my life--- particularly as a woman. Some of our most important life lessons come to us through personal experience. If I could have a chat with my younger self, I would offer a few lessons I’ve learned. But since I can’t do that, I’ll offer these lessons to my daughter, and to any other woman looking for a few insights. Among all your other life lessons, make it a point to deeply know these seven things. First, know …