Man Proposes and God Disposes ---Our lecture in Newhaven public library

We experienced a lot in New Haven, but we didn’t expect that one day we would give lectures of Chinese culture in Newhaven public library. Thanks to Xia Feng, Carrie and Siggy, we made it.

 Jason, Arnold, Joyce, Jennifer and I are grouped to make the first presentation，which is going to cover Sino-American relations after World War Two and some Chinese social issues, with regard to Family Planning Policy and aging society, etc.. Jennifer is my roomie，a very smart girl with beautiful pronunciation, and we are supposed to talk about Family Planning Policy. With packed study schedule, we have to make do with what time we have got. We chose a comparatively informal way by put the information we want to deliver into a dialogue. We designed and practiced our dialogue on our way to the class, to the library and even to the stop and shop when buying groceries. We talked the evolution of the policy, its exemptions and latest revision, the positive and negative aspects as well. We actually enjoyed the experience a lot, talking and being inspired by each other.

      We are finally on the stage and the presentation turned out to be great. At the end of lecture, I demonstrated a Taiji Fan show. Two big men even volunteered to learn some moves of the dance and they are quick learners. I was impressed most by Arnold’s performance. Arnold is an experienced teacher, but he suffered from stage fright and he was rather anxious in the dress rehearsal. Finally, he successfully squashed his butterflies and his amazing performance is beyond everyone’s expectation. He spoke knowledgeably and confidently, demonstrating his good mastery of English and insightful analysis in politics. I have a refreshed understanding of him and draw an invaluable lesson from his performance, if you are determined to do something, you should just try your best and face the music with the best preparation. 

Shopping to a happy life

We go shopping a lot, but the shopping experience at outlet in Clinton is definitely the most impressive one.

Wearing the dress I bought at outlet

I will not go into details with the first part of this shopping. All went smoothly, the train was on time and everyone was satisfied with what they purchased even though we know that most of them are made in China. When going back to Yale, something unexpected happened. 
We were supposed to transfer at Westbrook station, but the train to Westbrook was running behind the schedule; therefore, we failed to catch the train to New Haven at 8:47. We had to wait for two more hours for the next train. Two hours were too long for the hungry and tired people and we were thinking about finding something to eat. There is an inn that is just next to the station, four of us went into the inn and the rest waited in the platform. The boss of the inn treated us hospitably and we ordered food. Then, we heard our colleagues shouting, “Guys, hurry up, the train is approaching.” We grabbed our bags and rushed out of the inn, making a noise like ten horses at gallop.　I thought the boss would shoot at us if he had a gun in hand; however, he was very nice in responding to our apologies, “It is totally understandable and just go catch the train.” We got to the platform as fast as we can. One of our colleges told me, “Thank God, we are so lucky, maybe the prayer at the church today worked.” But we waited and waited and no train came, it turned out to be a false alarm.

About an hour later, Polly wanted to go to the lady’s room and I volunteered to accompany her for the sake of safety. When we almost at the lady’s room, Polly started to shout, “The train is approaching, go back!” We two run desperately to the platform and it turned out to be a second alarm. After that, Polly was not in the mood to leave the platform, not even going to the lady’s room.

Finally, the train came and we sleepwalked home at about 12 o’clock, with our eyes barely opening. This experience will be an unforgettable memory in our Yale life. 

Detail Matters

 In Yale, wherever you go and with whoever you talk, you will be touched by the power of details.

 In libraries, special shelves are placed for low vision people. Quiet zone gives friendly reminder to people who read there. Boards apologizing convenience caused by the renovation are set up. 

 On the roads, signs are installed to remind the drivers to drive slowly and give ways to pedestrians.

 On campus, when you are photographing with your friends, the passers-by will come to you and offer help without even being asked. Friendly nods and cordial greetings are what you can get when you are walking on the street.

     Those details, which make a big difference to our life, could waken our love for this place and people who live here.

To be driven or not to be, that's the question!

Driven people are highly respected and appreciated in America culture. Its implication is somewhat different in our culture. Just like ambition, some people argue that ambitious people are too aggressive to be liked; likewise, driven people are too preoccupied to enjoy life.

To my understanding, there are two types of driven people. Some are driven because they are forced to be driven. They are forced by other people or working systems and they are driven by outside forces. Those people are always under huge pressure. Even when they are at rest, their minds are not at peace. They are always struggling to stay being driven. They are worried about everything and forced to be driven without a purpose. Some others are extremely driven because they are driven by their own interest or feeling of content, and they are driven inside, which make them stress-free. Those lucky people don’t care about the extra hours and packed schedule because they are enjoying what they are doing and doing what they are pursuing. 

Polite Yale

We arrived at Yale on 26th, June. We are embraced by the fresh air and beautiful scenery the moment we got off the bus.

Walking around the campus, I was deeply impressed by the way people cross the road.  People will wait patiently before the traffic light turns green when crossing the road. They push the signal if there are no traffic lights at the crossroads, and even when they fail to push, the drivers will slow down at 100 meters away and then stop to wait for the  pedestrians to cross. The drivers establish a rapport with the pedestrians. In this aspect, our country is telling a different story.  The drivers weave in and out of the traffic at the top speed without paying attention to the pedestrians and some pedestrians, on the other hand, just ignore the traffic light . Both sides are getting frustrated sometimes.

On campus, I was also impressed by the way people greet each other. Whenever and wherever you meet people, they are very hospitable. They will nod to you and say hello to you with sweetest smile.

The nice and polite Yale people will guarantee our summer session a pleasant trip. For that, I am sure.