Conversation Partner: Meeting #6

This past Thursday WeiRan and I met for the last time. His face shone with excitement and happiness more than usual. As usual, I inquired after his week. Nothing out of the norm happened in his life that week. He played video games, stayed up late, and avoided homework. Then why did WeiRan appear so excited?

I soon came to find WeiRan's excitement came from his anticipation of summer. He cannot wait to go home and see his friends. He hates school and is excited about no longer having to do homework. However, WeiRan has one worry: his last test in the foreign exchange student program. WeiRan struggles with English. If he passes the class, he can begin school at TCU, if he does not then he must repeat the course until he passes.

Next, WeiRan asked me how many hours a day I study for classes. I told him between 4-6 hours at least. His jaw dropped and he said "So if I go to school at TCU I must study that much." I explained that I have goals and work really hard so I can get into graduate school. WeiRan did not like the idea that classes at TCU are hard. WeiRan admitted that he would rather enjoy the freedoms of college without the work. Wouldn't we all? But college is the precursor to the real world, so hard work is necessary.

After telling WeiRan that college is hard, I think he strongly considered not going. I still cannot understand why he is strongly opposed to school and learning. Maybe I would feel the same way if I attended school in China and struggled to learn the language.

Then, WeiRan asked me for television show recommendations. He wants to watch tv shows to assist him in learning English. WeiRan believes listening to the dialogue will help him in his own personal dialogue in English. I showed him Hulu and mentioned tv shows such as The Office, How I Met Your Mother, and New Girl. He mentioned liking action shows, so I referenced Bones. I think he will really enjoy the comedy and mystery aspect of Bones.

Soon, our time was up. I said my last goodbye to WeiRan. I wished him luck with his final exam and said I hoped to see him next semester. He left with a smile and wished me the same. I really enjoyed getting to know him and his culture. Talking to WeiRan always proved to be interesting.