Scholarship Essay

By Joel Lin

My first year attending Thousand Oaks Chinese School was 1987. In the following thirteen years, Chinese School has provided many memorable, fun experiences. Most importantly, Chinese School has helped me identify myself as a proud Chinese American.

In elementary school, kids often display many acts of ignorance. In my situation, kids would often criticize me because of my slanted eyes. I knew I had no control over the shape of my eyes. It is just a fact; Chinese people tend to have slanted eyes. Yet, children are often unable to acknowledge the diversity among different races, and are prejudice in their reactions towards one another. Thus, Chinese School gave me the opportunity to identify with people of a similar background and customs. For one day, I could go to a school where everyone had slanted eyes. As a young kid, being accepted by my peers was very important for me. Hence, Chinese School provided a comfortable environment; a place where I could fully appreciate my Chinese heritage. For this, I thank Chinese School a million times.

Additionally, Chinese School has provided numerous activities that I will never forget. One primary example is the Chinese New Year Performance. Albeit, the event has it’s hectic parts, such as the humid dressing rooms and all the performers running around. But the Chinese New Year Performance just wouldn't the same without it. Having dress rehearsals on a school night with finals the next day, spending days during winter vacation learning a dance; all these tiny aspects make the Chinese New Year Performance the special event that it is.

In conclusion, Chinese School has been so much more than a "school. " It has been a place where I can relax and enjoy my Chinese culture. Thousand Oaks Chinese School has always had its own sentimental value, and I am thankful for the many great memories that I will never forget.