I am still looking for a job, but I refuse to get too discouraged. Many people are in worse straits than I. Who else is lucky enough to have parents who do not charge rent or food money to their child tenant? However, the lack of a 9 to 5 job does tempt me not to do much. It is very easy to become lazy and idle, which is why I help keep the house tidy. Finally, my vacuuming skills are valuable! Dust bunnies beware (or hide where I cannot reach). With Mom's help, I am continuing an unofficial form of education. We are taking an online Harvard course on "the history, philosophy, and literature of childhood," where we listen to various interpretations and historical backgrounds of children's books. 'Lolita' to 'Little Red Riding Hood.' Even 'Goodnight Moon,' which I still have a copy of. Mom pulled out her French fairy tales from our library, but I cannot understand any of it.
Lately, I have lectured twice about my experiences in Shenzhen at the Asian American Forum and my former high school. I spoke about China's educational system and the life of foreigners in China. The high school students were shocked by the intense and strict schedule my students at SZ2G dealt with. SZEG students woke up at 6:30 AM and went to bed at 10:40 PM; the time in between is organized into sections offering little free time. American high school students have some freedom to decide parts of their daily schedules. The students also liked the different foods I showed (Modern Toilet and Beijing's snack street). More of them want to visit China, partly for the food.
