’91 Toyota Corolla

Dear Dad and Mom, I've been pretty overwhelmed lately. Besides my own classes, I've been busy working as a TA. I recently graded a project, and ever since the scores were posted, plenty of students have been hounding me and flooding my inbox with emails. It's incredibly frustrating. At its worst, I received more than a dozen of these emails a day. I've had to keep explaining my grading and occasionally giving out a few extra points here and there just to keep them happy, which has taken up a lot of my time. Don't worry, though—it isn't always this hectic. On top of that, I've started looking for a job and have already had a few interviews, all of them conducted on campus. No news yet—it's still early. Companies typically require two rounds of interviews: the first one on campus and a second one on-site at the company. If I decide to graduate with just my master's degree, I'll be finishing up next May. Most of the interviewing will take place next year; this year is really just an opportunity to get some practice in. I recently bought a car—a white ’91 Toyota Corolla sedan. I had to ask a friend to come with me because I didn't even know how to drive it home myself! It cost me $4,600, which is a lot of money upfront, but I got a pretty good deal since the average market price for similar cars is usually around $5,600. I've also bought insurance for it, which comes out to about $640 a year. To be honest, I don't think it makes much sense to buy a cheaper car here. Insurance is so expensive that after a few years, the premiums alone could cost more than the car itself. The car is parked outside right now, and I can see it right from my window. I haven't actually gotten behind the wheel yet, but I just got my learner's permit, so I'll probably start in the next week or two. Until then, it'll stay parked in the same spot. I'll be very careful once I start driving, so please don't worry. Out here, practically everyone drives—it's as common as riding bicycles back in China. Between the car and the insurance, my savings took a major hit, so coming home for winter break is pretty much out of the question now. Robin and I are still spending time together and talking on the phone, but it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere. We may simply be too different. I think we'll probably just remain friends. I'll write more next time. Wishing you the best, Tong 10/21/96 P.S. It looks like my roommate will be transferring to a school in Dallas, another city in Texas, at the end of the year.