"I'm sorry, what's this thing floating in my soup?" asks a curious customer. Turning around, I reply to the Westerner, "Oh, that's just some wintermelon and a piece of pork!" He looks puzzled and his Chinese friend tries to dismiss his misgivings by assuring him of the wonderful taste as well as the health benefits of the Fresh Wintermelon Soup. I was disappointed in myself. I had forgotten to heed my mom's advice: always keep in mind what kinds of...

Personally, I would have worked harder on the essays and found someone to help me along the pathway of college admissions. It is a stressful time in our lives, as...