(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-18 09:47

Congratulating China for hosting the Olympics, Clark urged the Sichuan students to learn about "the special history of Chinese in America."

"While you're here, learn about the history of the Chinese that have been in the country for centuries and contributed so much to the growth of America and made America what it is today, among the many immigrant groups that came to this country," he said.

Chinese Consul-General Peng Keyu urged the students to work hard.

"Your stay here will definitely be an eye-opening and memorable experience," he said. "One year is not long. I hope that all of you will take full advantage of this program, work hard and learn from your fellow schoolmates."

Longing to Rebuild Home

Liu Yu, a computer major, also has a story behind his name.

"I was born on a rainy day," he said. "So my dad chose Yu, or rain in Chinese, as my first name."

The atmosphere at the reception was by no means downcast.

When Consul Li Guozao from the consulate's Education Section addressed the students in Sichuan dialect, they burst into laughter.

"I believe that you will surely carry forward the spirit displayed in the fight against the earthquake catastrophe, and through one year's study at SUNY, prove to the world that you're the most outstanding!"

Su Chang, a girl who lost both parents in the quake, appeared so sunny that few people could imagine the kind of tragedy she had gone through.

"I'm very excited about this," she said, smiling. "I have always been curious about America. I am here in the hope of learning more about their culture, their way of life, and to learn something practical to improve myself."

"I hope that I'll be able to rebuild my homeland in the future," said Su, who will be staying at the university's Buffalo campus." And to put to use what I have learned where needed."

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