2023 BYE

Again, we are now in Stamford, CT for Junior Squash "New Year's K Team Junior Gold". December is a busy month. Actually, it is not a purely holiday month for us since we did not have the experience or concept of the "holiday season" before we moved to the US. 

Emily was coaching Alice between the games, 31 Dec 2023 at Chelsea Piers, CT

We visited Philadelphia for the US Junior Open Squash in the middle of December. This time, Emily was also able to attend this international event. We were saying this is Emily's retirement tournament of Junior squash. Squash is always a good sport for Emily, and she will continue playing on the court. She just said goodbye to the junior tournament since she decided to devote herself to rowing in college. 

Happy here for Squash: the front door of Arlen Specter Center in Philly

When Jolie and I recalled what we had walked through the past year, we were really very proud of Emily's achievement in Squash. When Emily and Alice started their first tournament in late June 2022, they were just a beginner. When we learned that the vast majority of junior players started at a young age, such as 7 or 8 years old, Emily kept her practice and pursued her personal performance. Most importantly, we are glad to see Emily will keep playing squash her whole life and begin to build her Squash social life. Emily unfortunately got an injury for her right knee (Tibia plateau bone bruise) in her first match. Fate looked like it was telling us that it was time to move on.

I believe that Emily is a sort of role model for Alice. They have totally different personalities. However, Alice absolutely learned from Emily's experiences. Since Alice became 7th grade in middle school, she started to have solo practice with Emily in the morning. What we walked through really showed two young girls how to pursue their outstanding, although both of them started later than others. Jolie and I also believe that all of these experiences have made two girls have strong, resilient, persistent minds for their brilliant future. 

Of course, I have to mention what Jolie achieved at the end of 2023. She got her certificate as a medical assistant in December 2022. One year later, she passed the TEAS exam in December 2023 and was able to apply for a nursing program in 2024. This is absolutely an outstanding achievement when you are a student in community college and also a full-time mom, meaning sending Emily and Alice to various extracurricular activities and taking care of everything at home. When I say Emily can be a role model for Alice, no one would doubt Jolie is totally a fantastic and lively case of the American dream. 

When Jolie and I looked back to 2023, we were not only surprised by what we had but also looked forward to having another incredible year in 2024!

Our second greeting card, made by Emily & Alice