Editor's Note:

The launch of the island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is imminent. This initiative is not only a crucial step in policy advancement but also a new voyage towards the world. As the tides of the times surge, the Hainan FTP is attracting young talents from across the globe. They dedicate themselves to various industries, weaving their personal dreams into the open blueprint of this vibrant land. The "Decoding the Hainan FTP: Chasing Dreams" series captures the stories of these dynamic individuals—their choices, struggles, and achievements all serving as a vivid testament to Hainan's vitality and opportunities.

Here, behind every step they take towards realizing their dreams lies a future that the world will embrace.

Ryan Meraw, from Alberta, Canada, now is a teacher at Hainan Maple Leaf International School. His educational journey did not begin in Hainan. Earlier teaching experiences in Canada and Malaysia had already allowed him to accumulate rich international teaching experience in multicultural environments. Throughout this process, Ryan has continuously reshaped his teaching methods.

For Ryan, what drives him to keep honing his teaching skills is his insatiable curiosity. He believes that life is not just about reading, but about seeing with one's own eyes. Therefore, he brings his travel experiences into the classroom, convinced that only by seeing and experiencing firsthand can students gain a deeper understanding of distant people, events, and landscapes.

Hainan has become the place where he puts his educational philosophy and life principles into practice. Unlike some cities he lived in before, here he can get closer to nature, spend more time on outdoor activities he loves like boating and camping with friends. He once even cycled with a friend from Hainan to Hong Kong. These experiences are not just personal hobbies but have also become real-life examples in his classroom. He hopes that through his own experiences, he can inspire students’ curiosity and encourage them to develop the desire to "personally experience and see the world for themselves."

Outside the classroom, music and sports have also become bridges for Ryan to connect with his students. Through singing and sweating, his work and life in Hainan have become increasingly fulfilling.

Reflecting on his growth in Hainan over the years, Ryan summarizes: "Since my time in Hainan, I notice that no matter what happens, every single year seems to be a step in a higher direction." As for the future, he maintains a calm and sagacious attitude: "You cannot appreciate the sunshine and good times unless you go through the bad times. So I hope I have the balance on peaks and valleys."

On his teaching journey, Ryan Meraw is driven by enduring curiosity and growing experience, guiding his students and himself toward a broader world.

This series is funded by the China Internet Development Foundation (CIDF) and co-producted by Hinews and Hainan International Media Center.