In my final year of secondary school, I was chosen as the top student and made the head boy. Being the head boy made me feel invincible in school; or so I believed, until this fateful day. The responsibilities of being head boy included leading various academic extracurricular activities such as debates and quiz competitions. Typically, this wouldn't have been an issue, except I was incredibly shy and timid. I constantly told myself that failure was not an option and generally managed well by passing debate responsibilities to lower-class students under the guise of 'training them.' When a significant debate was scheduled, it felt crucial for me to participate, and the entire school would gather for the event. I practiced for two days solidly in anticipation; memorizing my material extensively. Hours before the event, I secluded myself in a classroom for further practice. I was convinced I would excel. But I was mistaken. When the day finally arrived, my turn was saved for last, to be the highlight. I was already sweating profusely. There was no backing down now. I took a deep breath and steeled myself to step onto the stage, as silence enveloped the hall. Everyone’s eyes were on me, and I felt their stares pierce through me like lasers. As I started to speak, I stumbled through my greetings and realized I had forgotten the topic entirely. Glancing at the banner behind me for a clue, I turned back to be met by the principal's serious expression; her gaze made my heart sink. I had no idea she was seated in the front row all along. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to speak, but everything I had rehearsed slipped my mind. Suddenly, the room erupted in laughter. I was the punchline. I glanced at the principal, who was laughing the hardest. Trembling, I struggled to remain standing. The exit suddenly felt impossibly distant, and I couldn't endure it anymore, attempting to leave through the hall’s center while the laughter roared. Finally reaching the door, I realized I was pulling instead of pushing. After what felt like an eternity, I managed to push the door open and escaped outside. I could hear the principal trying to calm the laughter through the public address system while chuckling. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life.
I trust this letter reaches you in good health. I am writing to inquire about a part-time job opportunity. Last year, I visited you along with Rohan (my friend), and he mentioned that you often provide part-time employment for college students. I am currently studying at Ambala University and seek a part-time engagement during my vacation. I possess cooking skills and can assist you with breakfast during the busy summer period. In return for my help, a fair remuneration would be appreciated.
Chang fails to effectively convey his emotions regarding his departure from China. My perspective is that he minimally discusses his experiences in China, only briefly touching on his bond with his father. The only recollections he retains are of his dad carrying him on his shoulders following dinner.
The narrator largely concentrates on his new life in the village that his family moved to after fleeing the conflict and shares little about his origins. Through this approach, he does not manage to make the reader grasp his feelings associated with leaving China.
