Meet Our Instructors: Shuhan Jia

Shuhan Jia

Year: Class of 2026

Can you describe a favorite moment from teaching?

Every time the class ended... Not because I wanted to leave immediately but for how hard it was for me to leave. It was not a moment that I liked, as it usually ended up being so sentimental that it made me want to cry. The kids were always reluctant to leave the classroom. Some had to give me a hug before handing me their notebook. And every time, before class ended, I would receive questions like—“Would you come back again? Would you continue to be my teacher after this class? After the next class? After winter break?”  The answer would always be yes, yes, and yes. Their hopeful gazes and bright smiles brought me back to the classroom week after week. 

What inspired you to work with WBS?

I should be honest here: I cannot write beautifully with lyrical prose. And even for the times I turned to fancy words, many times I ended up tossing some of them away, just so I could express myself clearly and coherently. 

After many years of working on (perhaps even struggling with) writing, I learned that the beauty of this trade resided in the clarity and simplicity of expressions. Thus, aside from inspiring creativity from my students, I hope they too can express themselves “clearly and coherently,” without worrying too much about the complexity of their language. I wish that writing could become a lifelong tool for them to convey their emotions, attitudes, and perspectives—to find connections with the world and have their voices heard. 

What unusual skills do you have?

Get to know North, South, West, and East if I am outdoors. Count 10 seconds by heart and has an error within 0.5 seconds.

What are some things you love?

The smell of the disinfectant in the hospital. My father is a doctor; my mother is a nurse. That powerful odor always reminds me of my childhood, sitting in my father’s chair or by my mother’s desk, asking them questions about life and death.