Meeting Ailin Part 5

As my conversations with Ailin were drawing to a close, I wanted to provide any advice or help I could in these last meetings before finals and the end of the semester. I know that as a freshman finals can be especially intimidating. I was lucky enough to have my big and other older girls in my sorority to help me along the way for that first round of tests, and this is what I wanted to provide for Ailin. Sometimes, just a little advice or encouragement from someone older can make a big difference in feeling confident and finding motivation to finish the year as strong as it started.

Surprisingly, Ailin did not seem too nervous for her exams this upcoming week. When I pointed this out to her she explained that in China her final test was worth her entire grade. On the contrary, her classes here include other assignments such as homework and quizzes. TCU finals were certainly less pressure than back home in China, and Ailin was grateful for that.

And after this conversation, so was I.

I have always dreaded finals, but after talking with Ailin, I realized that I should have been more appreciative. The multiple test system is nothing to shame. One test counting for more percentage points isn’t as bad as one test determining the entire final grade. Once again, Ailin has helped me to realize something that I have been taking for granted and should be more thankful for all along. Several times she has broadened my views and opinions, allowing me to count my blessings, and this conversation was no exception.

In addition, this past week I was accepted into the study abroad program to Spain. I asked Ailin if she enjoyed traveling or had been to Spain before. Her response was that although she had never been to Spain, she really likes Europe. Her favorite place she has traveled to was Italy. Despite the fact that she got sick during this trip and had to leave early, her favorite memories were of visiting Rome and all of the old architecture. Perhaps this is where Ailin’s love of museums comes from.

Ailin also has some family members who have studied abroad. Currently, her cousin studies in Japan. She also has a best friend who studied in Germany. Ailin mentioned that she would love to go to Italy again with this friend instead of with her family, which made me laugh, but also appreciate her honesty. I can relate as traveling the world with my best friend would certainly be an adventure I would not turn down.

Ailin’s blunt honesty such as in conversations like we have had today sometimes catches me off guard. Whether she was attempting to create humor or not, it always makes me smile and realize how hard it must be to reflect the right tone in another language. As I’ve also learned in class, attempting to be funny in another language can take several years to master, if not longer. I’m sure that some of my humor has been lost on her as well. Either way, our conversations always end in a positive, energetic mood, both from the new insights I have gained, and my excitement for the next time we will meet.