Another Pre-departure Briefing

In my family it’s mainly my mum’s task when it comes to our education. Besides providing bread, one of the most related things my dad was responsible for probably is picking me up after school and my piano lesson. My dad always looked uncertain when his friend asked him what year I was in at university. Not to mention when he tried to introduce me to his friends about what I studied for my MA, it took him quite a while to get used to say all the three words ‘intellectual property right’ together.

His indifference to our education will be the most unconvincing reason. But not sure whether it’s because he has an autocratic daughter who usually makes her own decision or because she just seldom worries him on her study. My parents, especially my dad, gave me great freedom on both what I want to study and which school I want to go to. Even though my mum was more informed, the information she obtained was still very limited.

Soon my life is going to take an exotic new turn and my academic study is going to be extended. After attending the pre-departure briefing host by British Council this Sunday, the outline of my coming new life will become even more vivid. Well, but only to me, I think.  So far my dad still has no idea which city I am going to go to. Guess he couldn't really point out where Cardiff is on a map either, even though I have been there twice. My mum remains referring to the University of Warwick and the University of Bristol by saying ‘the school at the boring place’ and ‘the school closer to Cardiff’. Ruby, my younger sister, has heard of the city Bristol but has no idea at all about the place. As for my little sister Lucy, 'Xiao Wen is going to study in the country where Harry Potter lives' is pretty much all she knows at the moment.

Maybe my family they need a pre-departure briefing too. They have been very supportive since the moment I announced my big plan. And I know sometimes they worry too. A powerpoint presentation may not be able to provide them a clear image of my coming new life, but at least might stop my mum from nagging me to buy a new down jacket to defend British winter or even better, to seduce them to visit me next summer in the UK!

haven't decided what I am going to put in my powerpoint yet, but hope mentioning the author of Harry Potter was born near Bristol will contribute some positive influence to Lucy.