One of my nephews (I have nine of them - this one's about in the middle of the pack) is graduating from Tulane University tomorrow and has won a Fulbright grant to conduct research in China. He spent his junior year in Taiwan and China, becoming fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese and then taking courses at Chinese universities. He'll leave in September to begin his research on Chinese ethnic minorities' romance, dating, marriage, and child-rearing traditions.
(The Fulbright program was founded in 1945/46 by the U.S. Congress for the "promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture, and science." There's more here.)
When one of my other nephews graduated from Tulane a few years ago (hmmm...7 years ago!), G was still well enough for us to travel the 1,000 miles to New Orleans to be there for his graduation. It was a wonderful occasion and felt so good to be part of a celebration for such a milestone.
For so many reasons, I wish we were going to be there tomorrow for this milestone. My heart will be there!
This is something truly to brag about...Shout it out as it is simply wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI can well understand the mixed emotions about not being able to be there in person with your beloved G at your side. It's simply not fair, but then we do get that slap sometimes that life is neither fair nor predictable.
Take care Ginnie, I know that your loved ones will feel both of your spirits there.
One of the great advantages of having brilliant or talented or beautiful nieces and nephews is the freedom to brag about them!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you and G can't be present for the celebration - the limitations imposed by medical problems can be so very frustrating.
Congratulations to your nephew, and what a fascinating subject.
No wonder you're proud - becoming fluent in Mandarin is enough in itself to make the heart swell with pride, let alone all his other achievements!
ReplyDeleteHow impressive! It's always good when a family member does well. His research sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteOh, certainly worth bragging! I am sorry you can't be there, but I know they will send you pictures! The GoatDaughter and Goat-Son-In-Law are in New Orleans, and he wants to attend Tulane! Thank you for sharing this wonderful news with us!
ReplyDeleteMarigold, I hope the G-S-I-L likes Tulane & N.O. My brother and his family live there, and we have loved visiting in the past.
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