July 19 was a day I will never forget. After saying farewell to friends and relatives, my parents and I started our new lives in LA. In China, the age for entering first grade is seven, a year older than that in the U.S. This is the reason that I jumped up a grade when I went to school here. The gap between grade levels and the huge disparity between the educational systems were roadblocks on my way to the house of knowledge. Having learned only basic English grammar and listening skills for one year in China, I began my education in LA as an eighth grader. In the first day of school, my cheeks were as red as ripe apple

A Chinese proverb says, “Diligence is the only road to the mountain of success.” After two years of struggling, I can speak and write fluently in English. However, this wasn’t enough for me. I began to challenge to myself by taking Honors and AP classes when I entered high school. Although many of my classes have been very difficult, I never gave up by telling myself, “You can do it!” Outside the world of study, I also have been interactive in peer resource program. After two years of training, I acquired effective communication skills and counseling experiences. As a peer counselor, I am always there to help and listen to others. Although some of my counselees were shy and didn’t know how to express themselves, I guided them patiently until they felt comfortable in talking to me. Other than peer counseling, I am also involved in orchestra, Science Olympiad, and other clubs. Having a balance between study and activities, I really enjoy my life in high school. When my counselor told me that I ranked number one in the graduating class, my heart b

Some topics in this essay:
Green Gables, LA China, , Science Olympiad, China July, language barrier, father told,