Wang Xiaojun is from northern China’s Shanxi Province, the birthplace of China’s civilization. Some earliest farming practices are still common here on the yellow earth, some oldest Chinese languages are still spoken, and ancient stories from thousands of years ago are being told and sung. Despite his different roles and jobs, as a college teacher, a bar owner, a journalist, an environmental activist, and a social justice advocate, Xiaojun has been using stories to reach and move his audiences. He has contributed to key Chinese media such as China Youth Daily and Caixin, and documentaries such as Under the Dome by Chai Jing, Elephanting by Xiao Wei, and Smog Journeys by Jia Zhangke. Trained as a language educator, Xiaojun has translated some books on linguistics and education for educators and parents in China, such as The Secret Language of Your Child by French-born English neuropsychologist David Lewis and Made by Dad by Scott Bedford. Xiaojun is now based in Manila, the Philippines, to collect more stories from people in Southeast Asia and South Asia whose lives are being affected by the rapid influx of Chinese investment. Xiaojun’s dream is to retire when all his hair turns white and start a kindergarten, where he can read old stories or make up new ones every day for little kids.
