AIC NewsletterBack to SchoolIssue

FALL 2012INSIDE:

• Beach Party• New US Teachers• College Life Q & A• Summer Volunteer at Sunshine Academy• Top 10 VIP scholarship winners

Anticipation, nervousness and excitement are a few of the common thoughts our alumni are experiencing as they await for the transition from high school to college for 2016ers, a start to a new school year

for current college students and lastly stepping into the work force for recent graduates.

As you fill your schedules with endless farewell dinners and seek the last bit of advice from mentors, our current issue reaches out to a few of our teachers and alumni and asks each to share with us their experiences with the different aspects of college life. In addition to these helpful anecdotes, we also compiled a few fun profiles of your fellow AIC 2016ers. Don’t forget to welcome in and support one another when your paths undoubtedly cross. Remember there is no better present than a place to rest one’s head.

As I recall my own departure for freshmen year, deciding what to pack was the most daunting challenge. How much clothing do I need? What kind of things can I live without? These are only a few of the questions I carefully considered with only a 4 hour drive ahead of me. I can’t even begin to imagine some of the concerns international students will have as they prepare for their departures. No matter what you decide to bring don’t forget a few of these things – An open mind & the courage to step out of your comfort zone and try different activities and courses, the time management skills needed to balance a social life with asuccessful academic career, and lastly an optimistic attitude, one that will allow you to tackle all challenges and obstacles in your path.

As you shop for courses and seek the “right” major, take the time to participate in organizations that can generate lifelong friendships and create the lasting memories and experiences that make life worthwhile.

As this newsletter marks the last issue for the year 2012, we hope to bring you more exciting updates, news and events in 2013. AIC firmly believes its alumni are equipped with the wide range of skill sets needed to bring change wherever they go. Best of luck with your future endeavors! The AIC newsletter team always looks forward to hearing your updates, feedback and stories.

Kam Yan (Shenzhen)Editor in Chief

EDITOR'S NOTE

BeachParty

PhotographerEason Yu, Georgia Institute of Technology 16'

耿柏珍 Paula GergenColumbia University│Class of 2012

Major: East Asian Languages and Cultures; Minor: Psychology

Nickname: Li’l pHometown: San Antonio, TX

Favorite food: A single favorite food is hard to pin down, but the ones I probably miss the most when I’m in China are: a really good slice of pepperoni pizza, a New York everything bagel slathered with cream cheese, tex-mex, and my parents’ cooking.

Different languages you speak: I’ve always been really interested in languages, and I took several years of French and Latin all throughout high school. When I started college I knew I wanted to try something different. Chinese had always intrigued me and wasn’t something I had previously had a chance to pursue, so I took elementary Chinese freshman year (I also tried taking a semester of Hindi-Urdu, but that was a minor disaster). It was challenging, but I loved it. Unfortunately, I’ve now forgotten most of my French, and whenever I try to speak it all that wants to come out is Chinese haha.

Favorite Books/Television shows/Movies: I can’t choose just one favorite book, but some that I’ve read recently and really enjoyed are Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel and a collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami. TV shows: Game of Thrones and 30 Rock, to name a few.

Favorite academic class: “Cultural Psychology” and “Art Humanities”. There was just something magical about being able to go to the Met with my Art Hum class and hear a lecture from my teacher while looking at the real thing and not just a slide up on a projector. Plus, it’s a Core class, which is part of what I went to Columbia for, and which I probably wouldn’t have signed up for otherwise!

Favorite Quote: La vie est belle. (Life is beautiful)

Source of inspirations: Everything! Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I think most things can be inspiring in some way, depending on how you look at it.

Ideas of a perfect day: Warm and sunny with a light breeze and great people

Identify yourself in three words: Curious, Enthusiastic, Thoughtful

Where have you travelled to before: Mainland China, Taiwan, Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, England, Switzerland. I love traveling!

Something about you that others might not know: Even though the horrible grammar sometimes bothers me, I nonetheless have a slight obsession with lolcats…

Nickname: Jyai-ma-zu, Jimmy, Jams, Norman, Chato…well these are things I have been called, and some have unfortunately stuck.Hometown: Minneapolis, MN, Groton, MA, Iowa City, IAFavorite food: (Californian) Sushi with inordinate amounts of wasabiDifferent languages you speak: Spanish, Chinese, AnglishFavorite Books/Television shows/Movies: I would learn Russian to truly experience Toltoy’s Anna Karenina. I just watched movie about the 2002 Oakland A’s with Brad Pitt, a handsome pillar near the extent of my film interest. I like Miyazaki, I guess. Favorite academic class: A class taught by Mihaela Czobor-Lupp, a vivacious Romanian professor who used enough gesticulation during class discussions that one could imagine she was actually in an aerobics class. It was called “Bodies in Politics.” We read some of the labyrinthine (ahm..poorly written) works by Judith Butler, as well as my favorite, Hannah Arendt, whom my dearest friend is named after. Favorite Quote: Never an easy question, since so many strike me as brilliant in a day, from published authors to Ruirui alike. This is something Emily just sent me, and since he just died (RIP) we will honor him and one of his Tocquevillian simple aphorisms: “The more money an American accumulates, the less interesting he becomes.” - Gore VidalSource of inspirations: A clear moon, seeing great distances, chubby babies, the rap ame, my mother, flying, and of course my closest friends.Ideas of a perfect day: wandering in the mountains with some loved ones. Identify yourself in three words: what? Wonder, well…Where have you travelled to before: The top of a grand Douglas Fir; the Karakorum Highway; Galena, Illinois; Ely, Nevada; the lowest (Turpan, Xinjiang) and nearly the highest (Muztagh Ata) places in China within two weeks.Something about you that others might not know: For Kam’s delight: Avocado’s are my favorite; I make guacamole all the time, yet, I have never bought one.

贝可杰James John Beck

Carleton College│Class of 2012

Major: International Relations

Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts, USA (about 40 minutes outside Boston)Favorite Food: AvacadoSinhTo (Vietnamese Fruit Shake)Languages: English, Chinese, FrenchCurrently reading: 1Q84 by Haruki MurakamiFavorite books: Brave New World (Huxley), Catcher in the Rye (Salinger), The Red and the Black (Stendhal), Slapstick (Vonnegut)Favorite TV shows: “Criminal Minds,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Histeria!,” “How I Met Your Mother” Favorite movies: American Beauty, Little Miss Sunshine, The Shawshank Redemption, Toy Story (1, 2, 3), UpFavorite Quote: 天下無難事，只怕有心人。 Inspiration: the desire to leave the world a better place than the one I entered Perfect Day: A perfect day can take many forms, often involving ice cream.Self in three Words: ambitious, dedicated, hungryTraveled to: Canada, China, France, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates (Dubai)Fun Fact: Despite being bit by a dog as an infant (required 44 stiches in my right cheek), I still love dogs and look forward to having one or two in my future house.

苏杰凯Jacob Throwe

Boston College│Class of 2011Major: History; Minor: Mathematics & Asian Studies

Brian TongUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, College or Engineering Intended Major: Aerospace Engineering

Suppose your full name has become a word in the dictionary, how would you define it?Visionary, genius, future entrepreneur and inventor. He has incredible ambition to change the future of humanity by inventing cheap and reliable intergalactic transportation technology, clean and sustainable energy, and cheaper-than-ever airplanes using sustainable enerygy with greater-than-ever speed, reliability and maneuverability.

Suppose you’re an AO, generate a creative essay topic.Elaborate 3 areas that you think will mostly change the future of humanity. And what is your next 10 year plan in these areas?

Jingxu Liu

Suppose your full name has become a word in the dictionary, how would you define it?A Chinese rock star and song writer with the group xxxx.

Suppose you’re an AO, generate a creative essay topic.Describe your relationships with three of your best friends.

Cornell UniversityIntended Major: Undecided

AmazingAICAlumni

Christie WuTufts UniversityIntended Major: International Relations/Psychology

Suppose your full name has become a word in the dictionary, how would you define it?A multi-functional coffee house where people can literally do anything. There will be coffee and food, laundry rooms, treadmills, book collections, craft tables, manicure and pedicure, dental check… anything you need that you can think of.

Suppose you’re an AO, generate a creative essay topic.If you were invisible for a week, what would you do in that week?

Write an advertisement of yourself."I am not at all romantic. I am not old enough. I leave romance to my seniors." - Oscar Wilde

Zach ZhouAmerican University, School of International ServiceIntended Major: International Studies

Zachzhou n.A quixotic lifelong struggle with procrastination.

Essay topic:When the North Korean leader Kim Jiong Il was at his final moments, he murmured his last words to his people: "Stay hungry, stay foolish" (OK, it's a joke). If you were among the intellectual class of a totalitarian society, would you choose to sacrifice your independent minds for survival? Why?

Suppose your full name has become a word in the dictionary, how would you define it?

Wang is already a word, which is something I’d rather not mentioned; and once a future classmate of mine called me Wanking Wang – disaster. So if I get to define my name as a word (wankun-wang?), it probably means disastrous misinterpretation of something has no particular meanings. E.g. “OMG someone put my brother’s name as Paedophile – it’s Peter Phil for god’s sake. That’s such a wankun-wang moment.”

Suppose you’re an AO, generate a creative essay topic.

“No man who worships education has got the best out of education...Without a gentle contempt for education no man's education is complete.” said English writer G. K. Chesterton. Most people have had at least some sort of “contempt” for the education they received, no matter whether it generated from the deep disgust for tons of homework and endless exams, or dissatisfaction that current education is wasting people’s talent. Write an essay about your contempt for education, and how that makes your education more complete.

Wankun WangWesleyan UniversityIntended Major: Political Science or Gender Study

Qi GuoRhode Island School of DesignArchitecture

Suppose your full name has become a word in the dictionary, how would you define it?

Guy is too short to be little.

Suppose you’re an AO, generate a creative essay topic.

You are cool. Tell me why?

How to balance study time,

social life and even part-time jobs?

Balancing studying, socializing, and paid work requires prioritizing and experimenting to discover what works best for you. My balance constantly evolved. Arriving at Duke, I placed studying above all else. Increasingly unhappy, I considered transferring part way through the fall of my freshman year. I craved close friends. Entirely shifting my priorities, I began spending the majority of my time socializing. I gained wonderful, close friends, although my grades slipped slightly. After my freshman year, I attempted to balance the two more equally, deeming both strong

academic engagement and an active social life necessary for my personal fulfillment. I added on part-time jobs, but I never placed that before studying and socializing. My part-time jobs offered flexible schedules and my employers understood and agreed that my studies should come first. If I ever had a pressing assignment or test to study for I switched my work schedule relatively easily.

My senior year I became entirely engrossed in researching and writing my thesis. I loved the process and made friends through it, however I significantly cut back on my social life and neglected some of my old friendships. Throughout my time at Duke I never worked out the perfect balance that I aspired to: excelling academically while never missing a moment with my friends. I eventually accepted that as an ideal, instead trusting and appreciating how I partitioned my time. Every stage of my balancing offered worthwhile gains, albeit some drawbacks. From my engrossing and passionate schoolwork, I gained invaluable, lifelong mentors in my professors. My friends brought me joy through their support and humor, while expanding me and educating me in ways no class could. Check yourself to see if your current balance leaves you fulfilled while also poised to pursue your goals in the future. Trust yourself to make the adjustments you need.

Rose Filler (US Teacher)Duke University, 11'

College Life Q & A

What do you think are some activities that we

can’t miss out in college? What kind of

activity left you the deepest impression?

Freshmen year is a challenging one for many students, I know it was for me. I showed up fresh off of major reconstructive elbow surgery and still not clear as to exactly why I was going to Williams. This uncertainly hindered my ability to engage with classmates and the school on a whole. Once I finally allowed myself to engage my entire academic experience changed for the better.

The best advice I can give an incoming freshmen is show up on campus the first day excited and prepared to actively participate. Most freshmen hallways develop into a cohesive unit with a lasting sense of camaraderie. At Williams, freshmen hallways are called “entries” and to this day I share some of my fondest memories of Williams with my entry-mates. We went through a lot together and because of this we have a collective sense of what it means to be an Eph. We all make mistakes as freshmen and your entry-mates will be there to pick you up, for better and for worse. To this day, many of my closest friends are the ones I met within an hour of arriving on campus.

To this same end, don’t trivialize the many “silly” activities freshmen (all students) participate in. These activities and the beloved, often quirky, traditions the student body holds most dear, define the spirit of a school. Take the time to fall in love with your school and those characteristics that make it unique. If you do this, your connection to the school and the friends you make during your four years will last forever. This enduring love affair is in many ways the most precious gift your school will give to you. After all, there is a reason why over 50% of Williams graduates marry another Eph. Before going to Williams, I never knew how wonderful I look in purple and I only know this now because I took the time to actively engage with my school and my fellow classmates. School is a serious endeavor, but don’t let this keep you from embracing the spirit of your school. Doing so will give you the energy necessary to succeed while on campus, but more importantly the enduring friendships that make life worthwhile.

Nicolas Daen (US Teacher)Williams College, 10'

Of course, I was in a bit of a special situation as a linguistics major-- we were encouraged study through the advanced courses in at least one foreign language. For me, that was Japanese. Although I didn't study abroad in the usual sense (mostly because I added my computer science minor fairly late and needed to take the classes for it), I did managed to take advantage of an internship opportunity through Wellesley and spend a summer in Tokyo. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my college years, and it really helped me recognize that learning another language is not just something that is useful in school or work, but an important way in which you can expand your own world. An entire culture's worth of history, of literature, of high art and pop art and everything in between-- all of that becomes increasingly accessible as you gain mastery of another language. As Charlemagne said, "To have another language is to possess a 2nd soul." Even if it's not required, seriously consider studying a new language in college! You might be surprised by where it takes you.

Is learning a second foreign language in college necessary? Did you

study a second language and travel abroad to pursue that language?

Many schools do have a foreign language requirement! However, at the same time, usually they only require either two years of courses, or for the student to show 2nd year competency. International students who have had their schooling in a language besides English are generally exempted. At Wellesley, French was probably the strongest department, with Spanish as the runner-up. Chinese and Japanese were also both increasing in popularity.

Jessica Tang (US Teacher)Wellesley College, 11'

What was your most interesting and

memorable experience in

college?

I have a hard time picking any one particular memorable experience because I so savored my day-to-day life at Smith. There are a few things that I miss terribly though. I made hot peanut butter, banana, and honey paninis in Tyler Dining Room for breakfast when I had the luxury of late morning or afternoon starts. More often than not, my housemates and I overstayed our welcome in that room, talking and cradling cup after cup of tea after meals. In all seasons, I took the long, forested route around Paradise Pond (it always seemed to me to be much more of a lake than a pond) to get to the other side of Campus. The hours I spent in the Art Department's Wood Shop characterized my senior year. I was most productive in Neilson Library's Periodicals Room, a vast space with thick, clawed wooden tables and sleepy fireplaces. Usually, I was (probably too) liberal with glares triggered by any and all gaggles of gigglers, but I did once surprise myself with a very loud belch that managed to graze every crevice of that cavernous room, I'm sure. Bit excessive. I really miss walking across the hallway to be with my dearest friends, but you learn to keep the people you love close in different ways once you graduate and are physically far from each other. With all that said, it is hard to match the excitement and complete elation that I feel every time I return to Smith and go home to Morris House. I can't wait to do that again.

Emily Mock (US Teacher)Smith College, 12'

How can we keep a suitable relationship with the opposite sex without being misunderstood by them due to language and cultural differences?

Don’t feel obliged to do anything.Peer Pressure can be very dangerous when you are the “minority”. It can be from the “majority” – your American friends commenting on a great salad in the cafeteria while you are not a big fan of salad in general. The people around you are hooking up in a party and you feel you are not “open” enough. And surprisingly, it can also come from your own community – your openness may face judgment, as it’s an unspoken Chinese culture that we work hard and play humbly. The party people in your community may also threaten you. Their splendid Facebook pages may make you wonder if you are socially incapable. So should you follow everyone, to study economics, to eat salad, to join a fraternity, or to apply for an internship? The truth is you are not obliged to do anything. You don’t need to be a nerd or party queen to be accepted. Neither do you need to pretend to like anything in order to make friends or to look harmless. Because trust me, you are coming to study in a nation that welcomes diversity. My past experiences have told me that true friendship comes through common passions and an open self.

Yet it’s not “cheating” to make compromises.“Sherry let’s go to that Pasta place!!” Honestly I don’t like pasta, but how can I reject when I see the eagerness in my friends’ eyes? Indeed, when you go abroad and make friends globally, such occasions will frequently happen. As you also want to be recognized, I encourage you to respect and experience other cultures. “Compromises” may also take place subtly. For me, I joined a theater organization, worked as a security guard, lived in a tent for more than a month, and learned how to “behave” in parties. Many of my living habits also changed. Now I brush my teeth without a cup, I tried not to use umbrella in cases of sunlight and light rain, and I go everywhere with my laptop now. Remember you choose to be a world traveler to experience the new things. So when changes happen, feel free to welcome them with an open heart.

You DON’T need to please everyone.What can be your worst nightmare? Imagine someone at a party that misunderstood your body language and his action is increasingly making you feel uncomfortable. Don’t hesitate and tell him how you feel. Refuse him if needed. Do not worry about displeasing anyone. It is very crucial to know your bottom line, especially when you are exposed to a different culture.

Literally, no pain, no gain. Sometimes you have to fail to learn. There is not a universal rule that one can follow when it comes to cultural adjustment. And sadly, your understanding will mostly gain through mistakes, confusions, and failures. If your friend mistaken on a gesture you have made, next time you will know how to behave. The same American joke can be plain the first time but you can end up laughing your heart out a year later. That can only happen through your continuous interaction with the culture and the endless inquiry of “so what does that mean?”

Because cultural adjustment is really a process of seeking balances – how to balance your need and the need of others, your own culture versus another’s culture? Be prepared to be embarrassed, confused, or challenged, and know that they are your stepping-stones to be a true global citizen.

Sherry Liu (Alumni)Duke University, 15'

How do you understand American jokes? Do you often laugh after others or do you keep silence when you cannot get the point? I recently watched some videos of Joe Wang. Quite often, even if I read through the explanation of each joke and I understand why they laugh, I still don’t think it’s a funny story.

Most jokes are originated from daily life. It might be about a scandal of a politician (Sarah Palin always leads...), a commercial airing on TV (like P&G's Old Spice commercial back in the day, or Super Bowl commercials), an eccentricity of a celebrity (such as Tom Cruise & scientology), a highly popular drama (such as Gossip Girls, South Park, etc., some popular ones on campus), a breaking news, or just people around you. If you start to follow local news, whether it's campus-wide, city-wide, or nation-wide, you probably will have an easier time enjoying the jokes others make. But yes, that takes time. Also, everyone has a different sense of humor, so don't feel compelled to laugh if you don't find it funny.

Elaine Li (Alumni)Columbia University, 13'

If I am interested in meeting the opposite sex, do you have any tips where I can find the hottest guys or girls to date? What are some of the “to-do” and “not-to-do” for each gender seeking for a relationship during college?

After thoroughly thinking about this issue, I would like to tell the younger generation that parties would mostly l ikely have extremely attractive women. If you go to a party and don't find a lot of people attract ive, guess what? more Vodka! That's the so-called moment of humanity, because at that specific moment, love transcends race, nationality, class, look, and even gender. As for myself, lecture hall definitely comes second. It's like an engine cylinder with a perfect mix of intellect and erogeneity. So, be active in class and college girls will be impressed by your mind (in some cases). Library, parks, dinner hall. Use your imagination.

As for "to do" and "not to do", I only have a few (but quite important).

1. Remember, in this extremely fierce game, don't follow the so-called rules. These rules are constructed by the evil pros to limit us.

2. Appreciate every chance you have, and be magnanimous. Forgive those who pissed you off. They are b*tches, anyway. (jk) One girl or guy might only appear to you as one single target. However, you have to remember; your reputation as a boyfriend or girlfriend is formed based on a network of your old targets and reached targets along with their friends. So, when someone reject you or break up with you, don't be like "oh, f*ck that b*tch, i don't even like her in the

first place, ya know what she’s like...." In this way, you just became a b*tch yourself.

3. Don't hit on people in Starbucks, girls are not going to dress up especially nice to grab a latte, give out sexy poses and wait for others to hit on her. Only the procrastinators and Mac snobs stay in Starbucks only to work, and usually no matter how good looking or awesome you are, they would prefer not to flunk their classes and screw up their homework instead of talking to you.

4. The last thing I want to mention is probably pretty common. Be Innovative, Brave and Bold! Do hit on girls in Starbucks when she or he is so hot or you have a great line, do sometimes ignore your reputation. Also don't be afraid of making a move, the worst possible result (getting rejected) is that you get by staying from far away like a dumb*ss creep. When you do make a mistake, so what? Embrace it! Only by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone can you experience high risks of making a mistake and learn from the mistakes (or shall we call it try out) that we gain the most. However, the line of degree is hard to draw. What is the watershed where creative and bold turns into inappropriate. You have to be a little bit careful with that. In the end, I hope you can find the right one, because sometimes, it doesn't take very long. Be patient :)

Yoland Yan (Alumni)New York University, 15'

I like going to parties with my friends some times to relax myself, but I don't think a lot of friends of mine came from parties. In fact, I met most of my very close friends through dorm events instead of partying. True that parties play a very important role in American college life and you can definitely get to know a lot of people in a comparatively short time. However, that doesn't mean everyone goes to parties or you will find it hard to fit in if you don't go to parties. Plus, if you are not an 'party animal' or don't feel comfortable at parties or about drinking, going to parties probably wouldn't do any good to you but wasting time. There's clearly a lot of ways other than partying to meet new people in school. The first one is definitely making friends from your classes. Most of the classes that freshmen take are big classes and there usually are multiple group project opportunities which are a great way to build friendship. Even if you don't have anything like that, just feel free to talk to the person who always sits next to you or ask them questions if you have any. After a lot of time spent together or figuring out the homework together, friendship is easily built. Also, join the clubs that you are interested in because you will find it even easier to make friends with people who share similar interests with you. If you are good at any sports, go ahead and join the team! Sport is such an important part of college life that a lot of people care about especially if you are in a school that has a very good performance in sports. So after all, its all up to you. If you are willing enough to meet new friends, you will find them everywhere :)

What percentage of your friends are met at parties? I would like to make more friends but I’m not in favor of parties with a lot of drinking, are there alternative ways do you suggest for me to meet more people outside of party settings?

Secilia Jia (Alumni)Notre Dame University, 15'

Do you know any websites that offer life and study tips for international students in US?

1. [ http://hoconinfo.com ]& [ http://www.dealmoon.com] offer discount information, credit card advice and other money-saving tips for Chinese international students2. [ http://www.mitbbs.com] social websites and information sharing for international students3. [ www.studentuniverse.com] traveling discounts and other information4. Chinese Students and Scholars Association websites and newsletter5. School International House or Department of international students websites and newsletter6. Other discount websites: Groupon, etc.

Jade Hong (Alumni)UC Berkeley, 15'

If you are in China, you can contact local agencies to check if they have any special offers or cheap tickets. If you are in the US, you can check student universe and kayak, and the official websites for different airlines to find out prices.

I personally recommend Cathay Pacific for your first flight to the States through local agencies because they can get a student ticket for you that offer you three pieces of checked luggage at the same price.

When can we buy the cheapest plane tickets especially during

peak traveling seasons for students?

When can get the cheapest tickets:

For winter break it will most likely not be cheap. My friends and I always find the cheapest tickets for round trip back to china during September. When I bought my ticket back to china last winter, it was about 1300 dollars round trip from SFO to HKG for United Airlines.

Tickets are very cheap for spring break, usually around 1000 dollars round trip.

For summer break, students are more scattered and tickets would not be very expensive. Just buy it a few months in advance. The price depends mainly on when you travel and which flight you choose but it would be around 1100-1500 dollars.

One way to get cheap tickets is to set alert on kayak/student universe so that whenever there are cheap tickets you would know immediately.

Stella Luo (Alumni)UC Berkeley, 15'

提起乡愁呀，恐怕是身在异乡的游子最难克服的情绪之一，每逢生病过节时乡愁更浓厚。每次熬夜到 2,3 点饿得前胸贴后背时，最想念的莫过于妈妈烧得菜，哪怕是最简单最家常的麻婆豆腐和酸辣土豆丝。每次胃疼难忍时，最希望的便是爸爸轻抚我的额头，轻声责备句“又不按点吃饭吧”。70 磅的箱子一个人搬上搬下，半夜 3 点被锁在图书馆上演一出“图书馆惊魂记”，车坏在半路上一筹莫展。。。。。。老话说得好，“儿行千里母担忧”。为了不让他们担心，从一开始我就只能“报喜不报忧”，所有的苦自己扛。学着学着就成 Berkeley 厨娘；病着病着就久病成了医；扛着扛着就练就了一颗无比强大的内心。谁说这不是乡愁带来的副作用呢？

How did you cope with homesickness?

史鑫斯坦福大学

It was a sunny morning when I first stepped into the sunshine academy. I saw children about one meter tall pushing the wheelchairs for other children; they waved their hands in the air in an exhilarating way when they noticed us coming; there were smiles on their lovely faces, even those who could not move their facial muscles, I could see that they were smiling. Everything was so harmonious and serene. Staying with those adorable children helps me realize how lucky I am to be healthy and to have a family, how silly it can be to complain about life or being lazy. The children are unlucky because fate treats them unfairly, but they are also lucky because they are still naïve and have each other. Furthermore, the children taught me how to develop my patience, and made me know that we can have unlimited imagination, however unreal it might be. The children’s cheerful faces were so deeply imprinted in my head that as if their smiles are appearing in front of me as I wrote these words down. I just wish sunshine can always pour into their colorful playground, and there is always laughter coming out of their classrooms. I would definitely go back there someday.

---Donna Ding, Nanshan Foreign Languages School, 17'

All my excitement was shattered into pieces when we met these special need kids in “Morning Circle” activity; or more exactly, things were completely different from what I had originally imagined. By that time, I had realized how challenging our work would be and an idea of quitting had flitted through my mind. As I was vacillating, all of a sudden, a hand behind me held my arm. I turned around and saw a cherubic smile of a boy who was sitting on a wheelchair. In a low but jovial voice, he said, “Hi” to me, with his shy but amicable simile. So infectious was the smile that I couldn’t help but smiled at him as well and decided to have a try. Although most kids suffered from mental or physical disability, they showed not only their desperate desires toward gaining knowledge but also their independence in their lives, which had profoundly impressed me. What is more, their talented intelligence and their optimistic attitude toward life always made me forget that I was volunteering in an orphanage! In this week, I also gained a lot from these kids- the attitude toward life, the spirit of helping each other, and something that is indescribable.And these adorable kids, with the same heartfelt and beautiful smiles as those of normal kids, had imprinted in my memory deeply.

---Li, Xiaojie, Shenzhen Middle School, 17'

Top 10 VIP scholarship winners

StudentChen Ziling (Shenzhen)Wang Sifan (Beijing)Zhu Rongjin (Hefei)Li Shusen (Singapore)Zhang Jialun (Chengdu)Zhao Yunlong (Zhengzhou)Shi Minyue (Beijing)Ma Jiaqi (Beijing)Li Shiyue (Nanjing)Zhang Cancan (Nanjing)

Summer Volunteer at Bao'an OrphanageSunshine Academy is dedicated to love and educate Chinese orphans:instilling dignity and life skills to enable an independent life.

500,000 RMB Scholarship Winner: Querida Qiu

Editor in ChiefKam Yan

Project ManagerPei Yen

Art EditorSherry He, Macalester College 16'

Cover picture designed by Francesco Paratici from Australia.