A Word of Thanksgiving
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Dear Colleagues and Friends, |
Upon our first landing in China 21 years ago, China was on the verge of monumental change. the "Opening and Reform" policy had just been announced. China hummed with excitement as the potential for economic growth, educational development and cultural activities was revealed. It was like the early days of spring, when the trees full of tiny buds announce new beginnings and hope for all. It was in this environment of expectation that we resolved to start Educational Services Exchange with China (ESEC), in order to contribute in some small way to the modernization of the motherland.
We chose educational development as our means to serve, led by a conviction that human resource development is the key to the future and success of any society. There was a compelling and immediate need to train internationally oriented personnel for the newly opened China. our calling was clear. For 20 years, we have maintained our "Train the Trainer" focus.
In cooperation with more than 200 Chinese institutions, ESEC has offered English training, international business training, Higher Education Evaluation, medical education, special education for disabled persons, cross-cultural training for business executives, and developmental projects for impoverished regions. In the span of two decades, China has experienced a degree of change that is considered revolutionary, both in its scope and in its record-breaking pace. We are privileged indeed to have been an inspired observer and a joyful participant.
Buckminster Fuller, a famous US philosopher-architect and builder of many beautiful structures, was once asked by an MIT student, "When you tackle a technical problem, do you take the aesthetic factors into consideration?"
"No," replied Fuller. "When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only of how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know something is wrong."
The same can be said about cooperation. In cooperation we commit our common efforts towards finishing a job. But when the job is done, we see the natural outcome is something beautiful - Friendship.
I am often asked to identify the greatest reward of my work with ESEC. The answer is simple and sincere - the many treasured friends I have made. It is appropriate that on this 20th anniversary celebration I would offer thanks to all friends of ESEC. I would first like to thank our many Chinese friends and partners. Without your support and participation, ESEC would not have realized the accomplishment we celebrate today. I also wish to thank our American friends, many of who have traveled a great distance to join in this celebration. Without your long-standing encouragement also, ESEC would not have known this success.
The design for the cover of this commemorative booklet links the Great Wall with the Golden Gate Bridge. The colors selected in this design are chosen from the Chinese and American flags (red, yellow, blue and white). The cover expresses our idealism and appreciation of the friendship between the Chinese and American partners of ESEC. We strongly believe that continuing educational activities and exchange will promote greater understanding and cooperation between our two countries, and multiply the blessings of those who love peace.
We will continue to pursue such ideals, in appreciation and in tribute to all the many friends who have blessed ESEC.
Sincerely,
Dr. Danny Yu
