First Impressions: Sharing History, Culture and Roosevelt Roots with a Friend

Three weeks ago, our sister school in Xi’an sent twelve students to Jericho High School for our yearly exchange program. I was fortunate enough to have 李皓宇 come to Jericho High School after I spent a week with his family in Xi’an this past October. During the group’s time in New York, the students had a full cultural experience, visiting the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. For our weekend, I decided to arrange a historical journey for 李皓宇; one which would be a new experience for both of us. As history buffs, we ventured to the roots of one of the most famous men in New York History, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This determined and courageous statesman was not just the 32nd President, he was the Governor of New York, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and was the creator of The New Deal, a series of government programs which stabilized our economy, bringing us out of the Great Depression. During the weekend, we traveled to Hyde Park, to view the Roosevelt Family’s beautiful home, Springwood, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill Retreat, Franklin’s Top Cottage and his Presidential Library. In addition, we experienced a gastronomic feast at the Culinary Institute of America, down Route 9, for lunch, and finally, a visit in the rain to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As weekend warriors, we shared in a new experience together providing an inspiring lesson of American history and culture as friends and fellow students.We reflected on our day and our thoughts are provided below. 

李富平：对于那些记得你的人，我有机会与我在中国的交换学生谈论他的学校生活。现在我有机会与李皓宇谈谈他在美国的时间。这是再次与你谈话的好机会。

李皓宇：谢谢，很高兴在一次遇见你。

李富平：当我们去罗斯福图书馆和博物馆时，我感觉到了某种联系。跟我谈谈你在那里的经历。

李皓宇：当我来到罗斯福博物馆时，我对罗斯福家族发展的历史感到十分惊讶。我还有留意富兰克林罗斯福总统在美国大萧条时期采取的措施—罗斯福新政，毕竟那是拯救国家的政策。

李富平：我同意。我都觉得罗斯福先生让宋美龄成为他的撤退来访者很有意思。感谢您将宋美玲的美丽吊书翻译成罗斯福夫人。

李皓宇：感谢您带我去这个历史遗迹。

李富平：现在请回顾一下我们在烹饪学院的奢侈午餐。那是什么感觉？您是否喜欢法国肉类和奶酪的熟食，还有享用鹅肝松露酱的鸡肉？

李皓宇：我非常享受那里的饭菜，我觉得很神奇很美味。

李富平：我很高兴你喜欢那样。现在开车穿过农村去美国军事学院怎么样？此外，军事学院也是这样。反思我们。

李皓宇：很漂亮农村。我见到了很多古代以及近代乃至现代的武器，了解到了古人及现代人的军事作战技巧。

李富平：我也同意。现在最后一个问题是，你在纽约的最后时间是什么？

李皓宇：当我来到纽约市时，我深深的被这个迷人的城市所吸引，为那里的城市化与高度发达的工业化所震惊，还有那里美丽的景色。

李富平：我很高兴你在这里享受你的时间。这让我很高兴能够再次见到你。我想很快和家人一起去西安，并且会见你的家人。很高兴再次和你谈话。

李皓宇：谢谢你，随时欢迎你们拜访西安，并且我很乐意随时与你谈话。

As I reflect upon 李皓宇’s visit, I think about the wonderful times we shared. We enjoyed exploring shopping malls, having joint discussions in the classroom on environmental and global initiatives, 李皓宇’s exposure to Asian Fusion food, friendly competition in the bowling alley, and treasured exchanges of culture with my family and friends. We have been corresponding since his departure and I have enjoyed sharing in his continued American journey through selfies and photos in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

李皓宇 is back in Xi’an now. Fortunately through WeChat, we are able to reflect, converse, and continue our special friendship. Hopefully one day soon, our paths will cross again.