Lessons from an Ayusa Student

When I became a teenager and could be independent in the world, my father always told me: "Be an honest person no matter where you are. This could be your most prized possession. Never give up when you still have something to give, because nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying."

I am still so young that I can not say I have done all that my father has told me, but the experiences I have had make me realize the meaning of my father's words. Integrity has become that which I deem important. When I was the class monitor in our senior high school in China, there were always a lot of problems to solve and I had to learn a lot. I know that I am less than perfect. At any moment, someone may show their criticism. I would like to perceive this criticism as a challenge, though that may make me feel bad in the beginning. Furthermore, I am very glad to get this criticism for I can find where my weak point is. I believe this is what binds us to each other.

 Integrity teaches me another important trait: reliability. As a class monitor, I usually organized some extra-curricular activities. If the key person did not come on time, it kept the others waiting and wasted their precious time. Worse, I had to deal with every angry face with nothing to say. From then on, I told myself that I would not break any rules or any promise I had made.

Honesty has also come to my study. I know what I've learned is only a little—especially since I came to America to attend the exchange study. I remember when I was new here, everything was strange to me—an English speaking surrounding, a different type of teaching, and a lot of new courses. These difficulties once made me have a headache, but no matter how difficult things became, I always found a way to handle it, and to figure it out. When I first arrived in the US, I remembered my father's words: "NEVER STOP TRYING!" Then, I made a schedule and acted. From A.P. Calculus to Business, from Physics to Bible, I have asked everyone who could help me—my teachers both in the US and in China, all my classmates, and my whole family here. During this half-year of long hard work, I am very glad that I can grab hold of these setbacks. As a result, I now have the same high achievement or even better than I had in China. There are also many things I have learned since living here that I didn't learn in China—such as overcoming loneliness, a different culture and environment, and learning independence. I have to thank everyone who gives his/her help to me. I know how precious this is. I will prepare myself to help others, and will show my appreciation.

I will be persistent toward this kind of character and living my life one day at a time. I will never stop learning and never stop trying!