By Yanning Cui, Edited by Jim Luce
On an afternoon in February, I accompanied the Chinese Young Press Corps and came to Opa! Greek Restaurant to interview U.S. Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney.
I was surprised but at the same time pleased to meet Congressmember Maloney for the first time. She was rather friendly, not as serious-looking as I imagined a "members of the Congress" would be.
She was always wearing a cordial smile on her face. I originally thought that it would be a serious interview, but the atmosphere turned out to be easy and harmonious, sweeping away the little tensions in my heart.
Young Chinese Yanning Cui interviewed U.S. Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney.
After a warm welcome, the interview formally began. It fell to me to ask the first question. As I had always admired the eight schools of the Ivy League, and having heard that the Congresswoman’s two daughters attend or graduated from the Ivy League, I asked her about her daughters with curiosity.
Mrs. Maloney was happy when talking about her children and couldn’t cover the joy in her heart. She told us that one of her daughters works as a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and the other is mastering public policy and environmental studies at Princeton University. She could not help saying how proud she was of them.
The Chinese Young Press Corps came to Opa! Greek Restaurant to interview Carolyn Maloney.
This again made me think of Sino-U.S. education. Therefore, I asked her about this issue. The Congresswoman said that the Sino-U.S. cultural exchange is of great importance, and through cultural exchanges we can learn from each other in a more thorough way, in fields such as language, history, and beliefs. In this way the people of both countries can make common progress.
At this time, a young sixth-grade journalist asked a question in Chinese on how we can understand American culture more swiftly. I immediately interpreted this question to the Congresswoman.
The Congresswoman was delighted to be interviewed by the future of China’s media.
She said, "You’re now learning!" She recommended seeing Times Square, various New York City museums, Rockefeller Plaza and other attractions. I interpreted the Congresswoman’s English back to the young Chinese journalist. This was actually my first time as an "interpreter."
Later, when thinking back, I realized that I had not prepared hard enough in advance for the interview. I considered my "impulsive behavior" as inappropriate, but realized it had enhanced my self-confidence. I was more emboldened and ready to start new conversations.
Mrs. Maloney told us that in New York -- as the center of news and economics -- there are many places worth a visit, and encouraged us to become the "leaders" of the future world. The interview sure was an experience and good exercise, both beneficial. It was both an inspiration and source of encouragement to me!
Yanning Cui attends the high school affiliated with the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai.
How time flies! I made many new friends during these days, and this event is sure to be unforgettable. This was not only a cultural-exchange activity, but was more a collision between thoughts and the understanding of different cultures, and a chance of testing and practicing my skills as well.
Meanwhile, the event has not yet ended. Actually, this is just the beginning. I also hope to become friends with Mrs. Maloney, and do the things I can. With such unforgettable memories, I’m eager to visit the States in the future, and to experience the warmth of Opa! once again - and I do believe I will.
This editor was pleased to meet such enthusiastic budding Chinese journalists.
Editor’s Note: Yanning Cui attends the high school affiliated with the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between America and China, The Chinese Young Press Corps began their 'Journey of Harmony to the U.S. to ‘meet America.’ 14 young reporters aged from 11 to 17 took part in the activity. The exchange lasted 12 days in February 2010. They visited New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, and Los Angeles.
Other Stories by Jim Luce
My Favorite Member of Congress: U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney(HuffPo)
U.S. Congressmember Maloney on Abhorrent Anti-Gay Legislation in Uganda (HuffPo)
If It Is Astoria, It Must Be Opa! Forty Years of Greek Cuisine (HuffPo)
The Euro-American Women's Council's Loula Loi Alafoyiannis(Daily Kos)
Patriarch of Maloney Clan Clif Maloney Passes On (HuffPo)
Global China Connection: From Columbia to Stanford and McGill(HuffPo)
Clean Water for China's Orphanages (HuffPo)
Greek-American Vicky Tzolis Helps Both Women’s Empowerment and the Mentally Ill on Long Island (Daily Kos)