This is my Chinese textbook for grade two in elementary school. I keep it in my bookshelf at home in China. It’s not just a book to me. It reminds me of many memories of my childhood. I was an active student in class. I often raised my hand to answer questions with other classmates. We fought over who could recite the texts faster and more. I got a “100” or a stamp on my book when I recited a text. I always tried for more. We always pasted some favorite stickers in the book. I liked to paste my favorite mythological character. Sun Wu Kong is somewhere in the book. I have been in New York for two years. Although I didn’t bring this book with me, I think of it often. Thirty years ago, when I picked this book up, I learned about Chinese and Chinese culture. Now I am picking up English books to learn English and a new culture. I think everything can change in the world, but it is never too late to learn. 

– Ru Li

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