Today was
Keith's first time at Market Square this semester...HIS. FIRST. TIME.
He has a
meal plan, but he told me that he wants to experience all of the restaurants
off campus. I was talking to Keith more about his wanting to try different
places, and this is something that I've learned to appreciate about him. I like
how he is taking advantage of all of his experiences in the United States.
While I don't think I could afford to go to Texas de Brazil multiple times (and
pay for my friends’ meals), it makes me happy that Keith is trying to make the
most of his time here.
Another topic
that we talked about in Market Square was Mardi Gras. I told him how he
definitely should have come to Market Square yesterday because it was OFF THE
CHAIN (shout out to TCU Dining Services!!!)! He said that he didn't know what
Mardi Gras is. Naturally, I explained it to him and pulled out my handy dandy
iPhone to show him some pictures of the French Quarter during a Mardi Gras
celebration. Furthermore, I explained to him what Ash Wednesday is (and
thus why many people have blots of ash on their foreheads).
For me,
the most important topic we covered was him wanting to pass the English test (I
forget the name of it) that enables him to take classes at TCU and thus for his
Business major. He says that he is nervous for it, especially because he
dislikes studying, as well as taking tests; that's somewhat problematic.
However, he has been working hard, and he has taken the test before, so he
knows what to expect in regards to the testing format. In addition, he is aware
that he needs to focus on his writing, as he does well with his speaking
skills.
This part
of our conversation eventually led to talking about the differences in education
in China and in the U.S. He told me how much more rigorous the schooling is in
China. He said that many students will
spend their entire day doing some sort of schoolwork, leaving only three hours
to sleep. That’s right. Three. Hours. In addition, he said that high school is
extremely difficult. The Chinese
students work exceptionally hard during this time so that they can make high
enough grades to go to an accredited four-year university in the United States,
England, or Australia. I found this interesting because I thought that upper
level education in China would be harder.
Also, it surprised me when he said that Australia is a popular option
among students; I guess I had never considered going to school in
Australia.
Going
along with the education theme, my favorite part of our session was that Keith
taught me some Chinese phrases! He taught me how to say, “Hello”, “How are
you?”, and “Goodbye”. I am so stoked!
Although I completely forgot to say goodbye (c’mon, Mackie), I will integrate
these new terms into my vocabulary next time I see Keith.
Overall,
our second meeting went well, and I’m excited for our third!
Hi Mackie, Thanks for the great post. Sounds like another great conversation. I was surprised about his desire to eat off campus in restaurants. A lot of Asian students prefer to cook for themselves, as they dislike American food (too cheesy). I am glad that you are willing to learn a few Chinese phrases. Thanks for doing this. dw
ReplyDeleteHi Mackie,
ReplyDeleteI must admit as a recent transfer student, I myself, have not dined at Market Square yet. I was glad to learn I was not the only one (haha). I am a foodie myself, and have been trying off campus restaurants much like Keith. It was great reading about your second meeting with Keith. I feel like I can sometimes relate to the studying all day and a mere three hours of sleep. I also think it is super cool that he is teaching you Chinese phrases. I hope your future meetings with Keith go just as well.