Friends who know me well or visit my FB have more than one time heard of this: “My Vietnamese friend is comingggggg . She will be here to join in the same program as mine. We will be roommates, blahblah”. And yes, Thanh has come for 2 weeks. So many things were going on. But, today is a special day.
It is special because we got out of the house in a very good mood. Beloved shuttle bus drivers have come back. They’ve saved my life! We got to Research Office where Thanh should have been going to work for a long time. I had seldom been on time. Pictures were taken. “Hey, I am back! I love school!”
It’s our first day at school, and Thanh’s first day at work. But no, we did not really work. The work study showed us how to document some research proposals. Off we went to ORSP and then Provost Office to deliver proposals. I got missed calls from Dr Pam when we were out. When I called her back, I could not believe in what I’d heard but I *had to* and needed to tell Thanh what to do. Yes, Thanh will be hired as an SA (Special Assignment/direct wage) in English department. She made me jealous, hehe (kidding!!!) This not only saved her from the exorbitant tuition and fees designated for international students but also gives her monthly pay check, plus Thanh will be able to work on her field of study. Again I want to thank Dr Pam a million times for helping her out the way she really wants.
Doug gave me good advice for a personal conversation with Dr Fowler in order to explain for Thanh’s departure. But I did not have a chance to use them. Yes, you’re right Teacher. Dr Fowler’s is an understanding person in the career aspect, and a wonderful person. She came out and told Thanh to take the job in English department, and that Thanh could come back to visit. They hugged and said goodbye, the two pairs of glasses clicked. “I am sorry Dr Fowler, that even Thanh is wearing glasses, she could not see yours, hehe”. We all laughed.
Off we went to Music department to see a friend and listen for his violin playing but he’s gone. We wandered around Music department and further. Pictures were again taken, and Thanh was confident to realize some of her crazy ideas this time ‘cause we were at a less crowded corner of the campus.
Today I had lunch at school at campus with a friend. Thanh left us in front of Student Union to do her immigrant paper. For so long I haven’t had company for lunch. Those hurry meals did not sorrow me but were not very cheerful unless the food was really good! I could stand the autonomy and now it’s resplendent. My friend and I sat in the middle of the crowd, talking, having instant noodle and waved as our acquaint ants. That’s awesome. I found a space! In a moment I felt to be brought into somewhere endearing and new experience, yet already-there. At least I belong to here-UTPA. I thought that I didn’t, but I do care… I want more friends! Suddenly the friend asked: “What are you thinking when you look at people going by?” “Well, I don’t really know. But I am sure I can tell you what’s in my mind now, later!!!”
For so long I have been far away from home. Sometime I forgot what I missed. Thanh has came and brought a bit of VIET NAM to me. I am cheered up, and appreciate her being. We walked around, recalled the old days in Hue, and compared the environments, the feelings, as always. I feel so much grateful to Dr Fowler and Dr Pam for what they’ve done, and something even more important than the job my friend has- the solution to current problems, is the idea of really caring and bring help to other people. Looking at Thanh with all the energy and motivation she has right now, I thought about the significance and influence and power of those academic people. And I suddenly missed my old friend-my dear uncle who refused to give money to the poor. Instead, he built a school for them.
