BE INDEPENDENT WHEN ASKING FOR HELP! Not everyone you ask for might help you immediately, they might be busy, or be in a bad mood. Don't let that upset you. You will find people who are willing to help. Ask for information from them but try to be as independent as you can.

SPEAK ENGLISH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN! This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn how to ask people with ENGLISH and not just CHINESE.

COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS! No matter if they are Chinese or American. You may find it is difficult to understand and speak English at first. But that is a process that everyone has experienced and overcome. Keep asking if you don't understand. You can even ask them to spell the word out or write them down.

IF YOU NEED TO, CRY! If you feel frustrated, feel alone, and cannot get what you need, cry for a while. It means you are alive. You are experiencing an important moment in your life--growing up. You know you will be a greater person. Remember, every great person will cry at least once in his/her life. The sun will still rise tomorrow.

DON'T HESITATE, BE PROACTIVE! You class began when you got on the airplane. You can get an A, actually, you have to get an A. This is why you came here! This land produces so many nice things, such as independent personality and individuality. If you were not independent before, this is your chance to be.

BE ALERT! You need to be aware of your surroundings to protect yourself and your property. People are the same the world over, there are good people and there are bad people. Take care just as you would in China and you will be fine. Our campus is a nice and safe place, but remember to always protect yourself.

CALL A FELLOW STUDENT! If you are upset or discouraged, call a fellow student. They might have experienced the same thing you have. They can share their experiences and how they triumphed.

NEVER FORGET: You can always get help by sending emails to this address:
CSSA-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU . It is a warm and nice community which includes almost every member of the CSSA. People will reply to your e-mail very quickly and help you out as much as they can. The Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) will be at your service. We want to help you on your new adventure.

Do not forget that you are excellent and you can make it. As they say in America, "The world is your oyster!"

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