We’ve still been in touch over text and email and have been helping her with her college homework and other things. I could tell that she’s matured in the past year and learned to be more independent, learned how to figure things out on her own and had gained a lot more confidence. She’s becoming grown up, which was really amazing to see. I’m super happy for her, and felt like I’ve indeed made a positive impact on someone’s life.
Her mum came to pick her up after our lunch, and she was super thankful and grateful to us. We chatted and she told us how happy she was at her daughter’s growth, and that it couldn’t have been possible without us. As a first generation immigrant, she had no idea how to navigate the ins and outs of education here, and how to help her daughter with getting into a good college. I didn’t know she was so thankful for our help, so hearing this directly from her felt even more powerful. I was touched.
As we left, she gave us both red packets, as she’s Chinese and also celebrates Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year as they call it here). I was really surprised, but also appreciated the gesture. It made me glad to have our efforts validated, and now I’ve got my first red packet of the year!
For actual Chinese New Year this year, I’ll be celebrating back home in Singapore. Yes I’m going home in a few weeks, and can’t wait to celebrate CNY with my extended family and relatives, for the first time in 4 years! Also, I’ll be bring my bf to CNY for the first time, so that will be exciting. Can’t wait to catch up with all my friends, and I’m really looking forward to it this year!
