How has teaching Mandarin helped you connect with the wider Victoria community? I teach Mandarin as a second language‚ privately and at the University of Victoria. From the beginning‚ my students became my friends and then their parents became my friends and the circle continued to widen. I like to communicate with people
and meet all kinds of
different people.
I have been
blessed with
many
opportunities
and have
met so many
wonderful
people. I
believe you
must always keep
learning and keep
your heart and mind
open in order to
build relationships in the
community.
What drew you to add “real estate agent” to your many achievements? It wasn’t even my idea! My student and friend‚ Tim‚ a long-time Victoria resident and developer‚ felt strongly that I had something special that would help me be successful in real estate. He insisted I give it a try. Neither of us could have guessed what a great start I would have! My fluency in Mandarin also helps me communicate with Chinese newcomers‚ who can sometimes be overwhelmed when they first arrive.
What is your favourite real estate story? I recently sold a house to a couple who loved both the home and the extensive gardens on their newly purchased property. But they had no gardening experience at all and were worried they would not be able to maintain the gardens well. The sellers‚ Mike and Anne‚ generously offered to show the new owners how to use the tools and how to maintain the different plants in the garden. Last Saturday‚ we all came together and Mike and Anne taught us everything
the new owners would
need to know about
the gardens! The
experience
really touched
me and
reminded
me how
kind people
are here.
How do
you stay
connected to
Chinese culture
in Canada? I have
a passion for Chinese arts, specifically dance‚ calligraphy‚ and painting. I volunteer my time performing Chinese folk dance and introducing Chinese culture and arts to different communities.
What’s next? I plan to continue my roles as a daughter‚ wife‚ and mother while serving the community in which I live.
Lixian Song has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry‚ a Masters Degree in Linguistics‚ and a Ph.D-in-progress. Lixian has fourteen years experience teaching Chinese as a second language at Cambridge University
(U.K.)‚ University of Nairobi (Kenya)‚ Tianjin Normal University (China)‚ University of Victoria (Canada‚ and Camosun College (Canada).
Lixian is the Chinese liaison on the Economic Development Committee of the City of Langford‚ helping bridge international investment‚ business and culture between China and Canada.
Lixian Song is a real estate agent at Pemberton Holmes and started as the top new REALTOR® in Victoria B.C. in 2014. In her second year‚ Lixian won the Gold MLS® Award.