How are you? I do hope that every thing is well with you and have had a good weekend.

This week, a group of our work partners from Beijing came to our company to work with us once more. Along with the deadline, that 3 new cooperated products will enter the market is near, our work is tighter. Friday night, as soon as the last member of them left for Beijing I drafted our company’s work plan for the job next step.

Tuesday morning, I was also informed to get my visa next Wednesday or Friday (Sep. 3 or Sep. 5) while to book my ticket to fly to the U.S. in a team before September 30 and to attend a study in a University in Missouri for 1 year.

At that moment, I was just in a meeting with our work partners. Until Thursday afternoon, after the first phase work was finished, I just reported the news to the general manager. He let me decide by myself. If I wanted to go, the company would support. But, he also pointed that he did not think this is the best and the wisest choice to go at this time.

For me, to have an experience of study abroad is one of my long-term wishes, and now the opportunity has come to me. But, right now, the company's job really needs me and it relates a very important cooperation between two companies that has worked for 2 years already. As a main executed person of this project in our company, to leave for U.S. for my own wish at this time, it is not responsible and also too selfish. Plus my art dreams, true interesting and so on... Wow! Have you had an experience that when you are working with a very tight schedule, you have to make a very big decision? Maybe for the too much worrying, blisters have appeared by my mouth, throat is pain, and my cough has not gone since I came back from Australia until now...

Thinking for one day and night, Saturday night, I went to my office and stayed there until 11:00 pm. I wrote a long letter to a respected "elder brother" and work partner who I seldom connect, except I do meet something too confused and too difficult. Just like the hard time after I was robbed.

Quickly, I got a responding with a very clear analysis and several suggestions. Soon, I have known what I should do.

Now, I have given up this opportunity and I have informed the organizer. Even though it is a little bit pity and I have wasted some money on it. Anyway, I have known my direction clearer after the hard choice. Also, I have gotten a very positive comment because on May 13, the company had made a decision to support me to attend this study in the U.S. with salary and keep my position.

So, in the coming time, I would really like to return the company with working harder. Meanwhile, I will also do my best to improve myself on art, music, writing and language. Especially, I will complete the other 5 terms studying in Beijing Foreign Studies University at the first, then to take the other opportunity to accept some advanced multi-culture education in some top university, maybe Columbia University or Yale University? I am not sure yet, but, I believe that to give up is just to get. Opportunity will always belong to someone who has prepared already. I am sure that my dream will be true along with the continuous effort and time.

How about you? Have you had any similar experience?

I am just a learner on that art of painting, music English and Chinese language, to work on the web site in my free time. I would really like to do a little bit things with what I have learned to make this little web site to be an Electronic Bridge of Culture Exchange, Language Learning & Friendship. To help the others while to improve myself.

I appreciate your understanding, directions and supports. I do hope to get your friendly help..

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, you are welcome to write to shirley@ebridge.cn or shirleyz004@yahoo.com, or to publish your opinions in the forum.

Shirley Yiping Zhang
Sun, August 31, 2008