Bold Bright-Eyed Freshman

The Freshmen Choral Performance

For the past couple of weeks, the freshman on campus have been participating in "military training."  During military training, the freshman learn to march in unison, count loudly, and sing patriotic songs.  The freshman are easy to identify because they are required to wear camouflage from head to toe.
 
For many of the freshmen, we are the first foreigners they have ever met. Case in Point.

Last Saturday, I was walking back to my apartment after visiting the book sale on campus.  I didn't get far before a bold bright-eyed freshman stopped me.  Our conversation went something like this:

Freshman:  Can I practice my English with you?
Chip:  Yes. Are you an English major?
Freshman:  No, but I like English very much. Where are you from?
Chip:  America.
Freshman:  You are first American I ever meet.
Chip:  Oh.  Glad to meet you.
Freshman:  I really like making friend with Americans.
Chip:  Oh.
Freshman:  Can I have your phone number?
Chip:  Sure.  (I gave him my phone number).
Freshman:  I must go now.
Two minutes later, I received the following text message.
"To make our communication more convenient, you can call me Jack (my first English name), can I ask what you name is? OK HOPE that we can be very good friend!"
I responded with the following message. "My name is Chip.  Thanks."
A few minutes later, I got a second message.
"Uncle Chip, if there are something you cannot do in your daily life in China, you can phone me directly.  I will help you if you are in trouble."