Meeting Ailin Part 2

Ailin and I met for the second time this afternoon at our normal meeting place in Union Grounds. As usual, we started off the conversation talking about how school was going. However, this time there was a different sense of excitement and energy surfacing in the conversation. Instead of routinely talking about what tests were coming up, Ailin began to describe a trip to the museum she had been on with her class last week in downtown Fort Worth. She spoke with a confidence and urgency I had not previously witnessed, unmasking a new passion of hers I was eager to understand and learn more about.

As she began to describe her trip, Ailin immediately pulled out her phone to show me pictures of her favorite paintings and sculptures she saw at the museum. The phrase “a picture is worth more than a thousand words” rang true as she scrolled through picture after picture of different modern art pieces. Thanks to the art history class I took my first semester at TCU, I was able to contribute to the discussion of these paintings and the significance they hold in defining major cultural and social movements in the United States. As the conversation progressed, I learned that this was not the first museum Ailin has been to in Texas, and that her interests in museums move beyond the fine arts. Ailin’s favorite museum is the NASA museum in Houston, TX, which her entire family has been to see.

Furthermore, I learned that field trips to museums are not unique to the American education system. In Shanghai, Ailin goes with her class once a semester on field trips to either museums or parks. It is something that she looks forward to every year, as she has a strong desire to learn and see new things in person, versus simply memorizing them out of a textbook. In my opinion, this is further represented in her audacity and willingness to pursue a college degree in a foreign country, a bravery and spirit I am also looking to replicate during my study abroad trip this upcoming summer.

During this meeting with Ailin, I felt a deeper connection as I learned about her values and interests beyond school. When she showed me pictures on her phone it was like she was allowing me to see life through her eyes, and the pieces of art or ideas that she viewed as significant. Phones-and pictures on them-are personal, so sharing those moments not only strengthened our friendship, but continued to build our trust in each other.

While I have not been to a museum in years, Ailin’s excitement over this experience has reminded me what a great community presence they inhibit, as well as the informal education, discussions, and ideas they inspire. So far, my conversations with Ailin have helped me to not only learn more about Shanghai and her experiences, but new things about myself as well. This conversation was no different, and I am excited to see what new passions and perspectives are revealed in our upcoming meetings.