You Can Learn Chinese

From American Football to Chinese Films: The Journey of Matt William Knowles

Apr 29, 2024

Jared Turner chats with Matt William Knowles, a former college football player turned English teacher and actor in China. After a career-ending injury, Matt ventured into rural Guizhou, where he faced cultural barriers and learned Mandarin. His experiences shaped his identity, leading him from the classroom to the entertainment industry. Matt shares humorous insights about cultural challenges, his unexpected rise to fame, and the transformative power of immersing oneself in a new language and culture. It's a tale of resilience and self-discovery!

50:46

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Matt William Knowles

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Quick takeaways

Matt Knowles transformed his life by overcoming a career-ending injury and embracing a volunteer teaching role in China's Guizhou Province.

His journey highlights the importance of language learning and cultural immersion in shaping identity and creating unexpected opportunities abroad.

Deep dives

Matt's Journey to China

Matt Knowles's journey to China began unexpectedly after a series of injuries ended his American football aspirations at Clemson University. Seeking a fresh start, he decided to volunteer as an English teacher in one of China's poorest provinces, Guizhou, where he had minimal understanding of the language or culture. Arriving with just a desire to help, he quickly realized that in order to connect with his students, he needed to learn Mandarin, as most of them could not speak English. Through dedicated study and immersive experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for the local culture while navigating the challenges of teaching in a remote town.

Intro

3min

Teaching and Learning in Guizhou

7min

Cultural Challenges in a Foreign Classroom

3min

Reflections in Duyuan: A Journey of Transformation

13min

From Struggles to Stardom: A Personal Journey in Entertainment

21min

Insights on Learning Chinese: Immersion and Practice

2min

Jared Turner interviews Matt William Knowles, a former college football player, who turned an unfortunate event into a remarkable life-changing adventure in China. After a career-ending injury left him uncertain about his future, Matt took a volunteer teaching position in one of China's most impoverished regions, Guizhou Province. Here, Matt found himself in a remote town far removed from the comforts and familiarity of his South Carolina home. Without any knowledge of Chinese, he faced the challenge of communicating with his students and the local community, sparking his dedication to mastering Chinese.

Matt's story is not just about language learning; it's a tale of personal resilience and transformation. He shares how immersing himself in the culture and the language reshaped his identity and life's direction, leading him from the classroom to unexpected fame on Chinese television and stages. This inspiring story shows that with enough determination, you can turn even the most daunting setbacks into new pathways of success and fulfillment.

Tune in to hear how Matt's unique experiences in China taught him not just a new language but opened doors to a world of new opportunities and self-discovery.

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