Gratitude Journal by Yuchen

There are so many things for which I feel so thankful, but the first idea came to my mind are my parents, without any surprise. I am so grateful for having them support me. For me, they are the great wall that protects me from negative emotions especially when I am a stranger in this land. Their supportive power surrounds me whenever I feel low even though we are thousands miles away from each others. 

However, they have a very different way of showing their love and care. My father served the army for nearly 20 years and it has made him a tough and conservative man, and a tough man is not good at express his feelings. He’s always restraint about it. I remember that he never said he’s proud of me or complimented what I've achieved; he just stood there and nodded his head like he’s commanding his man. So it’s quite surprising and so happy to me when I heard he said “yes, I miss you son” after I asked him if he missed me while we were in a video chat several weeks ago, and I could see my mom tried so hard to cover her smile. My parents are positive energizers to me. Even if they won’t say compliments about my work, but I just feel so fulfilled and happy when talking those tiny things in our lives, something like mom met an old friend and had a nice cup of tea, or dad played Chinese chess with their neighbor could make me feel that I never so close to my family.

Another thing I am grateful for is my opportunity to study here in Ulaval. No matter how hard my study was and will be, being able to pursue an MBA in Quebec is by far one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Being able to study here is rewarding in many ways.

Had it not been for Ulaval, I would have never encountered so many interesting people or experienced such a dynamic way of education. I would not have the knowledge and skill I have now, I would not meet my teammates who offer me a warm and helpful climate for me to nurture my readiness to change.

In China, we always say to know others is easy but to know oneself is hard, but I feel that I understand myself better by having my study in Ulaval. On one hand, having my study in a foreign country means I must push myself to the limit. On the other hand, it is during this hard time of mine that I understood myself better with all the helps from my parents, my teacher and my friends. Now half semester has gone by and I feel I’ve improved myself in many ways with the help of David and Awa during our life balance analysis, I made myself to social, to spend more time on meeting new people. Thursday I have the result of midterm exam due and then it’s time to lock me up again and work hard!