Under One Sun

One of the most important lessons we can learn is to learn more about people who have different views of life. The last few weeks, we have had a unique opportunity to exchange emails with a college student in China. This has been a great opportunity because of the vast distance between the United States and China. It has been two weeks, and I have been able to learn a lot about this young girl. Through this short exchange of emails, I have found that we actually have a lot in common.

Her parents run a business that her younger brother is going to be taking over to keep it in the family. This is very similar to a lot of people in the States. Many parents own their own business and their children take it over when they are old enough to take care of the company.

In China, they also play American movies and television shows. I found it interesting that she referred to all of the television shows as “plays.” She would always refer to the American television plays instead of American television shows, like we would say here in America. She watches many of the same shows that college girls in America also watch. One of the shows that she watches that is an American television show is “Gossip Girl.”

Just like China shows American television, American films are also easily found in China. A lot of the hit movies in America are also hit movies in China. Cartoons are also popular in China. She has seen all of the “Ice Age” movies, as well as movies such as “50 First Dates” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. I think it is very interesting that young adults on two different parts of the world would be interested in the same movies. I think that this is possible because movies are universal. This is important because it shows how we are really similar. Just because people live on opposite sides of the world does not mean that they're completely different. Instead, it shows that we are able to connect to people all over the globe.

China is very similar to America because just like there is a difference between the East Coast and the West Coast in America, there is a difference between the North and the South in China. However, they are all similar because they are all traditional. They are kind and hospitable.

The girl we emailed with also had a blog. Because I have a blog myself, this was very exciting. Once again, it shows that people always want to be heard. It is important for people to be able to connect with each other. Sometimes, it is hard, but being able to communicate with people and sharing experiences is important, and just like in America, blogs are one way that we are able to do this.

Overall, I have found that I have a lot more in common with a girl from China than I had originally thought. I have enjoyed getting to know her and hope that the conversation continues.