Update -- November 2003

I hadn't seen or heard anything about Xiang since I had dropped her as a student last year.  I have wondered if she still lived in this area, if her parents were well and how she was doing in general.  My maternal instincts for this young girl were strong.

A few days ago I was at lunch in one of the very large employee cafeterias at work.  Across the room, a group of young Asia's were speaking loudly in their language.  Then, I saw her.  Xiang was in this group of Asians and judging by the uniform she was wearing, she has finally acheived the position that she wanted when I was training her.

I didn't approach her as she was with her friends and I didn't know if she would even remember me.  She seemed very happy and outgoing.  Her salary and tips will be greater with this new job..  She may even achieve her other goal of going to college.

I felt like a proud parent.  Granted she did most of the work herself, but I'm pleased to know that I at least helped her on her journey.

My Director at the LVA has wanted me to work with a group of Polish and Ukranian immigrants that live here in my town.  I've been putting off taking another student because I didn't think that my work with LVA really mattered.  I guess it may have made a little bit of a difference in the life of a young Chinese girl.