In the last few days, I've probably used more Mandarin than I have in almost three years of study. From making multiple trips up and down the elevators to figure out my Wifi, to ordering food, to giving and asking directions. And yes, at times it's stressful, but it's also exciting. But within my completed … Continue reading Fluency of a Friendship
The guy sitting next to me gave a 'thank you' and a smile as he sat down, so I'd thought I'd try and strike up a conversation--something I usually want to do but don't. Turns out he's a graduate student in Texas but happened to go to the University right next to mine in Shanghai. … Continue reading The People you Meet and Forget to Remember
The lights were off and my teacher, Ms. Fernandez, stood at the front of the room like she always did before lunch and recess. Since it was our last day of 8th grade, Ms. Fernandez wanted to follow our prayer with something to think about: "Before we go downstairs, take a look around at everyone … Continue reading Thoughts at 30,000 Feet in the Sky
My twin brother and I used to write stories--mostly about knights, kings, and the occasional dragon-- and reading the Lord of the Rings in third grade was definitely a contributor to the fact. We only had one set of the series books, though, so we always had to trade off reading. The exchange was always accompanied by a, "what … Continue reading A Brother, The Wild, and An Introduction
Stefano Montali 