I came to America one month ago. During that time, lots of things and culture have shocked me. I have been exposed to many interesting ideas and I am seeing more and more.
Here is an interesting thing that I can talk about. I went on my first picnic yesterday.
The Communication Department hosted a picnic to welcome students back for another year. Americans go to picnics often.
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ZHONG
For me, it was the first time to see what is the real meaning of the picnic.
When I arrived there, it was a yard. Everyone came with their personal, delicious foods. They put them on a table. In the garage, the radio campus station was playing music. The students played the popular songs. I was nervous because I didn't know what was polite. I didn't want to say or do the wrong thing.
The Americans were friendly Many approached me and said hello, then we sat around talking about anything.
There are several reasons for my impressions of the picnic. First, it was the first time for me to join a picnic. Second, the atmosphere was relaxed, not only between the students, but also between the teachers and the students.
Everybody seemed like members of the family. Last, it made me feel like I was at home. We took a group photo, like a family. I talked with my teacher at the picnic. I thought about it when I went back to the dorm. In the past, I had eaten on the land, but it isn't called a picnic, just a small trip.
We took food from the house in the morning and have a trip. We sit together to share the food, but it always is quick because we needed time to visit another place in the afternoon. We call this a spring trip.
We can't have a picnic in the city. Why we can't have a picnic like the Americans? If we want to, we need to drive a long time to the suburb to have a picnic.
To be a student in China, we need to study. Studying is our life. Our parents wouldn't let us have a picnic. They would think it is a waste of time.
Different cultures have the different ways to spend life. I like it here in America.
Zhong is an international student studying journalism at Mansfield University. He is 21 years old and comes from Shanxi Province, which is in the north part of China.
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