It is obvious that the space where people live in will affect our perceptions. Perception includes the way of thinking and doing everything. Different spaces have dissimilar cultures and methods to educate their descendant, so we have totally distinct points of view even facing to the same fact. There is a famous proverb in China; “The unique features of a local environment always give special characteristics to its inhabitants.” I believe that has the same meaning of space affects people’s perception.
I was born in Beijing, the capital of China. It is a big city in China and even in the world. People are busy all day long and put almost all attention focus on what can make them wealthy. Unlike other places all over the world, China has 1.3billion people in this country, and population is growing with an increasing rate right now. Because the economical and political status of Beijing, more and more people want to leave their hometowns, sell their property, and even abandon their wives and children to find their opportunities in Beijing though they are still too small to this society. This is the city, with full of competition, where I grow up. I need to compete with other peer from primary school to college. If you do not study hard, you may surpass by anybody at any time. This condition pushes us to work hard all the time and to prepare every exam as well as possible. Many students would like to keep practicing until 2am everyday even they forget what they really need. I think that is a not a good situation for people living or working. They waste too much time on repeating practice instead of developing their creativities. As we learn in economy class, high social pressure will hinder the development of society and education. It lets us into a vicious cycle of getting worse standard of life.
Considering the reasons above, I decide to go to Rollins College. Although SAT is not an easy test for me, I believe that is much better than “Gaokao” which is the one-chance test to enter college. To study in Rollins is also my first time come to United States. Before coming to America, I just learn its culture from Internet or television but never touch its culture inside. When I came to Rollins, I even did not know where should I register for the dorm. So, I asked help to a stranger who actually is room assistance. Surprisingly, he not only told me the direction not also led me to the registration office. I realize the little culture difference between China and America. In China, people will tell you the direction but they will not waste their time to lead you find the place in such a friendly way. Although it is only a small thing, I feel some special emotion inside, which is kind of hospitality.
I just came to America several days age, but I have a totally different feeling from classmates, peer mentors, staffs, and professors. We work together not for passing the test, but for learning in-group and studying skills which help us to live in the future. I think after staying more time in America, I will find more interesting difference between China and America.
