Vearnest MC Clellan III from the US city of Chicago, has been working as a foreign teacher in an English language training institution in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, for 14 years.

Vearnest MC Clellan III works as a foreign teacher in an English training institution in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi’an news network]

His reputation for rigor and professionalism has won him the top approval of his employer, which has rated him the most popular foreign teacher for 10 consecutive years.

In 2018, the Shaanxi Provincial Economic Development Promotion Association awarded him the appellation of being one of the "Shaanxi Top 10 International Friends" in recognition of his contribution to Shaanxi's education.

During these years of working and living in Xi'an, he has achieved several goals – obtaining a master's degree and learning hongquan, or Hong boxing, a renowned martial art.

"Hongquan can strengthen the body and calm the mind," he said. The teacher is currently translating books on the culture of hongquan. "I hope that more people can know about traditional Chinese culture," he added.

Over the years, he has also witnessed the rapid changes in the city. "The roads are getting wider, the buildings are getting more beautiful and the cities are getting cleaner."

As a volunteer, he also regularly joins in charity activities with Chinese friends to help others.

Before coming to Xi'an, he worked in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities, but Xi'an gave him a feeling of home. He said the enthusiasm and kindness of his friends in Xi'an made him choose to stay.