酷我-北美枫

[Wenxin]

Newcomers test old thinking

Of all the schools I've been to in Canada, perhaps half of my classmates have had their parents born elsewhere. I often need to be reminded of this wonderful fact.
Last year, for instance, Zion Heights Junior High School received a pleasant surprise - it had managed to win the Canadian Pascal Mathematics Contest, after falling to fourth place the year before. While the teachers beamed proudly, I stampeded upstairs to the math department, where individual results were posted. I scanned the list eagerly.

On the very top was Min Jie, with a perfect score. A murmur ran through those around me. What? Who was Min Jie? I kept reading. Next on the list, tied for second and third, were Lincoln and Jenny. Well, at least I knew Lincoln. Jenny, on the other hand, was a fairly common name in the school. I was not fourth on the list either, or even fifth. In desperation, I gave up and returned to class. Someone beside me put it more bluntly: "Are they sure these results are for the right school?" They were sure.

The next day, I managed to convince myself the scores were a fluke - perhaps Min Jie and Jenny were simply extraordinarily good at guessing. Unfortunately for me, this was not the case.

That year, there were two new additions to the gifted class.

They were, behold, Jenny and Min Jie. Both were new arrivals in Canada: Jenny had come from Shanghai and Min Jie from Singapore. Invaders from the eastern world! I braced myself for the worst.

Immediately, both of them shot straight to the top in science and math and, without any semblance of effort, began to threaten my position as resident nerd in English and geography.

Now, one year (and a new school) later, I am glad they are still here. The contribution Jenny and Min Jie have made to their new environment is indisputable. Hardworking, highly competitive learners, their presence has increased the general level of achievement in classrooms and also served as a role model for other students.

Canada is a nation built by many people, working together to create something that none of them could have produced alone.

I was born in China and I am proud to be Canadian.

(Origianlly published in "North York Mirror" on Jan. 19, 2003 )

[[许文辛]]

Newcomers test old thinking

Of all the schools I've been to in Canada, perhaps half of my classmates have had their parents born elsewhere. I often need to be reminded of this wonderful fact.
Last year, for instance, Zion Heights Junior High School received a pleasant surprise - it had managed to win the Canadian Pascal Mathematics Contest, after falling to fourth place the year before. While the teachers beamed proudly, I stampeded upstairs to the math department, where individual results were posted. I scanned the list eagerly.

On the very top was Min Jie, with a perfect score. A murmur ran through those around me. What? Who was Min Jie? I kept reading. Next on the list, tied for second and third, were Lincoln and Jenny. Well, at least I knew Lincoln. Jenny, on the other hand, was a fairly common name in the school. I was not fourth on the list either, or even fifth. In desperation, I gave up and returned to class. Someone beside me put it more bluntly: "Are they sure these results are for the right school?" They were sure.

The next day, I managed to convince myself the scores were a fluke - perhaps Min Jie and Jenny were simply extraordinarily good at guessing. Unfortunately for me, this was not the case.

That year, there were two new additions to the gifted class.

They were, behold, Jenny and Min Jie. Both were new arrivals in Canada: Jenny had come from Shanghai and Min Jie from Singapore. Invaders from the eastern world! I braced myself for the worst.

Immediately, both of them shot straight to the top in science and math and, without any semblance of effort, began to threaten my position as resident nerd in English and geography.

Now, one year (and a new school) later, I am glad they are still here. The contribution Jenny and Min Jie have made to their new environment is indisputable. Hardworking, highly competitive learners, their presence has increased the general level of achievement in classrooms and also served as a role model for other students.

Canada is a nation built by many people, working together to create something that none of them could have produced alone.

I was born in China and I am proud to be Canadian.

(Origianlly published in "North York Mirror" on Jan. 19, 2003 )

[星子]

I admire your open mind and fair heart.
_________________

[[ANNA]]

I admire your open mind and fair heart.
_________________