Hallie was one of my students at Shandong University. She was a law student, but I taught English in her class. She was very bright and a very good student. After almost every class and during class breaks, she would ask me for advice about what course of action she should take to further her education and launch her career. Her goal is to be a sucessful journalist and I believe she will be successful. I don't know if any of my advice actually helped her, but from her letter (below) it sounds like she is on her way to a very good post graduate program. With students like Hallie, I think the future of china is in good hands.
Dear Mr Judd,
I am so glad to hear from you!! I am so sorry that i did not contact you in the last few days. I had been very confused about my future and struggling to figure my way out. Now it is all settled. I was recommended to the Centre of American Studies in Nanking, which was coestablished by Nanking University and John Hopskin University. I once asked you about the centre and the John Hopskin University.Hehe,I still remember the scene very clearly and feel grateful for your advice! Oh, i also enjoyed talking with you about America, the American laws, politics and culture. It was so helpful and fun!
Next year I am gonna study in Nanking as a postgraduate. I will learn more about the U.S. and perhaps i will go to the U.S. someday. If i could have a chance to go there, i am gonna visit you and talk with you about the U.S. stuff.haha~
Now we only have two law courses and no English class! I miss those days when we were busy with homework and lessons! Every one is preparing for his or her future now. Some of my classmates are preparing for the postgraduate entrance examination. Some are working very hard to find a decent job. Others,like me, who already know about their future direction, are enjoying the leisure or looking for part-time jobs to earn some extra money. Different may the ways be, we are all heading towards somewhere new and bright.
We have all grown up. It is so sad when you realize that the past time can never come back.
The photoes of your grandchildren are so beautiful! You must be very happy when you uoloaded these pictures.hehe. We are also looking forward to the coming christmas,but do not know how to celebrate it. We want to hold a christmas party,hanging out with friends,people that we love or some lovely strangers.Do you have good ideas about how we can celebrate Christmas?
We miss you a lot!If you come to China again,plz come to visit us.
Best wishes!!!!Have a wonderful and warm(warm in heart:))Christmas!!!!
Sincerely Yours,
Hallie
Below is a photo of some of my Law/English students. Hallie is on the left in the photo.