What's in a Number
What is your favorite number?
The number 9 has a lot of symbolic meaning in China. It is Ping's favorite number. It is a number that has great significance in love and in life. It is symbolic of a love that will last forever, for example.
There is a point to this story. Let me set the stage.
Imagine leaving your country behind after you finish the 7th grade. Imagine walking into a 9th grade classroom in a strange country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you. Imagine that everyone speaks so quickly that you are unable to understand anything that they are saying, even though you speak some of their language. Imagine that all your school books are written in that foreign language. Imagine that all your tests are given in that foreign language - English. Imagine that there are no English as a Second Language classes for you to attend. Total English immersion. Sink or swim.
Today we learned that the number 9 has a new significance in our life.
That is Cici's class rank at her school. As I sat and looked at her report card with her, I felt so much pride and happiness. To start at the bottom and climb all the way to number 9 in her class is an amazing feat to me. It was amazing to others as well - the comment that her algebra teacher placed on her report card: "Model Student."
Do you know what that means, Cici? I asked her. It didn't translate, so I explained it to her. She is saying that every student should look at you and try to be like you. That is quite an honor. I am so proud of you.
What does this mean? Cici asked. Honor roll. You tell her. I can't talk right now.
The number 9 has a lot of symbolic meaning in China. It is Ping's favorite number. It is a number that has great significance in love and in life. It is symbolic of a love that will last forever, for example.
There is a point to this story. Let me set the stage.
Imagine leaving your country behind after you finish the 7th grade. Imagine walking into a 9th grade classroom in a strange country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you. Imagine that everyone speaks so quickly that you are unable to understand anything that they are saying, even though you speak some of their language. Imagine that all your school books are written in that foreign language. Imagine that all your tests are given in that foreign language - English. Imagine that there are no English as a Second Language classes for you to attend. Total English immersion. Sink or swim.
Today we learned that the number 9 has a new significance in our life.
That is Cici's class rank at her school. As I sat and looked at her report card with her, I felt so much pride and happiness. To start at the bottom and climb all the way to number 9 in her class is an amazing feat to me. It was amazing to others as well - the comment that her algebra teacher placed on her report card: "Model Student."
Do you know what that means, Cici? I asked her. It didn't translate, so I explained it to her. She is saying that every student should look at you and try to be like you. That is quite an honor. I am so proud of you.
What does this mean? Cici asked. Honor roll. You tell her. I can't talk right now.
CONGRATS Cici !!!, you have done your family a great honor.
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Congratulations Cici…
You make your mother proud and your father happy. You feel that its ok now but when you get older and look back you will have said “It was easy.”
Coming from your uncle Andrew I wouldn’t have expected anything less from you. I wish I had been a part of it too and I would be feeling the pride that you father has right now.
Keep up the good grades.
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Please give her my sincere congratulations! She has earned it! Please also take my congratulations to you, as you have taken an active part in moving her to that level of achievement.
I wonder - is the Honor Roll at her school actually selected by review, or is it just an automatic GPA system like being on the Deans List?
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