It was not even a year ago that I entered UAG, not just as a new student to this school, but also to this country. Everyone in class was friendly. During group discussions, when they noticed I was a bit slow to catch up, they would specially pause to wait for me. Some even used the simplest words and sentences to explain what I hadn’t heard.
I come from Beijing, the capital of China. Beijing boasts a thousand-year-old cultural heritage and distinct culinary characteristics. Culturally, having served as the capital of five dynasties, it features grand imperial architectures such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, as well as hutongs and courtyards that embody the rustic charm of old Beijing. Traditional folk arts like Peking Opera and cross-talk originated and thrived here, while its dense concentration of universities fosters a rich cultural atmosphere. Culinary-wise, represented by Peking duck and mutton hot pot, it integrates flavors from across the country, forming a unique cuisine that combines the refinement of imperial dishes with the homely appeal of local snacks, fully showcasing the city’s diverse charm.
As a result of my father’s career transition, our whole family crossed the ocean to New York—saying goodbye to the familiar streets of our hometown and heading to this city where skyscrapers pierce the sky and every corner overflows with exotic vitality. At first, the roar of the subways, the mingling of languages, and the grandeur of Manhattan left me at a loss; but once we settled into our apartment, I began to seek warmth in small moments. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of Central Park, as well as the scenery so different from my hometown, fills me with anticipation for the life ahead.
On my first day of transferring to this foreign school, I immediately felt at ease. The teacher in charge of reception was incredibly thoughtful. Knowing that I was new here, she deliberately slowed down her speech when talking to me and even showed me around the entire campus—from the bright classrooms and the library stacked with foreign-language books to the cafeteria wafting with the aroma of pizza. She pointed out everything clearly, and I didn’t feel the slightest bit awkward.
What made me happiest was that the school had a baseball club! The moment I saw the recruitment poster, I made up my mind: I had to join. Actually, I practiced baseball on and off for a while back in my home country, so I’m no stranger to basic pitching, batting skills, and game rules. I haven’t had systematic training in a long time, but just thinking about swinging the bat and running the bases with new teammates fills me with excitement. I’m really looking forward to playing ball with everyone in the club, and maybe I can even exchange ideas with them about the little differences between playing baseball here and in my home country.
This team has won numerous championships and maintains remarkable unity. All the teammates are amicable; they train with meticulous attention and great enthusiasm. Both the players and the coach are full of passion, and the training content is professional and scientifically designed.
This baseball team has been a wonderful surprise in my life abroad. It has not only helped me quickly build a social circle but has also become a great way for me to ease the loneliness of living in a foreign land. When I sweat it out during training and discuss pitching and batting skills with my teammates, I unconsciously let go of my language worries. These stumbling conversations have actually accelerated my oral English progress by leaps and bounds. It’s through this sport that I’ve gradually gotten to know the local culture, making my life in this foreign country a much happier one.
