Meeting Ailin Part 6

This last meeting with Ailin was the shortest one yet. Not because we didn’t have anything left to talk about, but because Ailin has finals in two days. Although she said she was not too worried, I could tell she was a little stressed. I wanted to talk about something that would take her mind off of finals, but before I started a new topic, she confided in me.

Similarly to me, Ailin studies best in her room, alone and in the quiet. I have never been one of those people who studies better in the library or around other people. In fact, when dead days occur, I pretty much never leave my room except to eat. Ailin is the same way. However, as of recent her roommates have been staying up late and being loud. Ailin asked me what she should do. She expressed her concern with being able to study in her room if her roommates were not cooperating. As someone who has had roommate problems in the past, I told her the best way to solve the problem was to communicate because they might not even realize what they are doing. Ailin is good friends with her two roommates, so I hope this advice helps.

Over winter break Ailin is going to New York City. Her mom is going to meet her there and together they are going to go shopping, eat at some nice restaurants, and visit museums. Ailin was excited about this because she was also a little homesick. I can’t imagine going four months without seeing my mom as Ailin has had to do, so I’m sure this trip will be refreshing. However, Ailin did express concern with how she was going to get to the airport. Again, I was not totally sure how to answer her, but said the best way is probably to ask a friend who lives in Dallas to give her a ride, or take the shuttle. Once I described a little bit more about how all that worked, she seemed to calm down again and the rest of the conversation was more relaxed.

One of Ailin’s favorite holidays that we talked about was the celebration of the New Year. Ailin does not celebrate Christmas, but New Years is an important holiday in China. The Chinese New Year holiday lasts seven days. Each day she goes to a different family’s house. For example, one day she will go to her grandparent’s house, and another day will be at her aunt’s house. All of her family gathers there and they cook, play games, and spend time together.  There are also firework displays and a parade which is Ailin’s favorite part of the celebration. I had seen pictures of the Chinese New Year before, but from the way Ailin was describing it, it sounds like an experience I would love to be a part of someday.

Overall, I have learned a lot from my conversations with Ailin. Not just from an academic standpoint, but also in the significance of meeting new people and all that they can offer in a relationship. I can confidently call Ailin my friend and we are already planning on meeting when we get back from winter break. While I hope I helped her with English, adjusting to TCU, and general life questions, I know she did the same for me. My perspectives, opinions, and horizons have been broadened with every conversation, as well as my understanding and connection to her as a person. I have enjoyed this project more than I could ever have predicted, and in a heartbeat would jump at the chance to do it all again.