joann chen

recall our conversation with mom when we were young

• joann: Can you recall any conversation mom had w u about study or education when we were young?
• jane: Well! I remember she always wanted me to get the highest score in the test. She made sure that I studied and reviewed the content the night before the subject test. So, she probably thought education was ver important. ;)
• joann: Hahaha! you did get the highest score in the test most of time! Do you remember why she asked you for that?
• jane : I am not sure. Maybe she felt that she did not have much opportunity to get the education she desired to have; and she wanted to make sure we could get all the way to the higher education if possible.
• joann: Oh, I think becuase you're the first child, she wanted you to set good example for me and Hong.! Luch me to have you!
• jane: Not lucky to me. :-/ Too much pressure!I guess, becuase dad had a college diploma, so mom really wanted all of us children to have more education like dad. Anway, to her, edcucation was like treasure, the more, the better!
• joann: I felt pressure from her, too, but probably not so much like you. Maybe I was not going to school yet, I remember she was more like telling story to me, especially when we were still in Hua-Lian. Don't you recall anything like those?
• jane: what story did she tell you?
• joann: Yeah, she highly value education. I don't recall the detail. but, stories like so and so go to so and so university, and papa's excellent performance in college, etc Don't you recall anything like those?
• jane: She did mention that we were lucky to go to school, not like her that she could not finish her college education. To her, a college diploma is a dream too far to catch.
• plus, this or that uncle went to the top college, this or that cousin passed the college entrance examination and got in the top college...on and on ..and we had to to the same, : -o Yeah! my childhood memories were full of this kind of conversation. So, to me, a high school diploma was nothing! just a transition in the journey of education, college or the higher degree was the destination. this was the impression I got from the conversation with her.
• joann: I also feel interesting that all of us, I mean we three, after we;ve grown up, we all get involved in the career relating to education one way or another. I am wondering if that has to do with mom. even I don't recall she ever mentioned or gave us any hint to be a teacher or work in edu. setting
• jane: neither do I. She might mention that teaching was a stable job, but I could not recall the details. Might be we got brainwashed when we were young, so we also value education. In the meanwhile we also want to help other youngster to see how much important to get adequte academic training, to be knowledgeable and skillful in some field.
• joann: Hahaha, brainwashed! good word. I don't even notice when and how the concept of the importance of ed get into my little mind!