Helen's blog

The most memorable thing I have received by mail would be my Christmas present from my friend who lives far away. In a perfectly packed Timberland shoe box, there were many parts to this gift. The first thing that caught my eye was the bright blue turquoise box containing limited edition stuffed animals that I collect. My friend had just spent a semester studying abroad in Madrid and during that time, he explored to several cities in Europe with his friends. When he went to Paris and England, he had made time to visit the pop-up stores and bought 4 Jellycats for me. I was beyond happy to hear that I was able to receive so many new additions to my collection but even more happy to know that he cared and valued my interests.  Upon opening the shoe box, I found the 3 Jellycats that I expected to get but there were also so many other little things that I had no idea about. This was a surprise hidden in a surprise. The thought of adding other little things that he thought I would enjoy ...

My family consists of my mom, dad, and younger sister and we immigrated here in the summer of 2015. I can confidently say that by moving here it began a new chapter for all our lives together as a family. From not being able to recite my ABCs to now, I have adapted to my new life here in the States and it gave me a new life and a different role compared to what I would have been doing back in China. Because I was in the prime age of growing up, I had an easier time familiarizing ourselves with English and adapting to the culture here compared to my parents. Because of this, I have always been tasked with making appointments, answering calls, and reading over any sort of documents that weren’t completely understood. If we never came to the U.S. I would be so busy doing school work and my parents wouldn't ever need me to take care of anything. Although I was reluctant to appreciate the opportunities that they gave me by making me help them, now I am happy to play my role in the famil...