\"Ink Stains\"

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The power of role models is immense; it’s worth learning to strive for excellence even in times of wealth and success*

\"Ink Stains\" by Zeng Zimo – This book is the autobiography of Zeng Zimo, a renowned host on Phoenix TV. It recounts her journey from being an outstanding student in Beijing to studying at prestigious universities in the United States, and from Wall Street to Phoenix TV, offering a clear glimpse of a girl’s determined efforts to pursue her dreams. The book clearly recounts her tremendous success in investment banking on Wall Street, her entry into some of the world’s top companies, where she was regarded as someone who \"must be hired at any cost,\" and the fact that \"because of Zimo, we were willing to hire Chinese girls.\" ”The book humorously portrays the wisdom and hard work of a Chinese girl who played a key role in completing one of the largest mergers and acquisitions in history, as well as in overseeing Sina’s listing on the stock market. Yet at the peak of her career in finance, Zeng Zimo resolutely decided to give up her highly paid job that many envied, and entered the field of television media, something she knew nothing about. A few years later, Zeng Zimo became a prominent figure on Phoenix TV, offering insights that were profound and striking. In addition, the book also includes amusing stories about the author and colleagues, the behind-the-scenes details of Sina’s listing, as well as interesting anecdotes from Sina’s executives. Part One: I went to Window 2, holding my admission letter and the proof of the scholarship I had been awarded. The visa officer on the other side of the glass window was young, with a somewhat childlike face that yet showed seriousness and focus. If it weren’t for him sitting there in a suit and tie, I would have thought he was just a college student in his early 20s. It’s hard to imagine that such a grown man can, inadvertently, hold the fate of so many Chinese people in his hands. 1. The charm of the truth: Chinese people are used to having the college entrance examination determine their fate, but American universities use a completely different approach to admissions. There is no unified college entrance exam, nor are there admission tests set by individual universities; students only need to take a standard exam called the SAT before graduating from high school, with its scores serving as one of the criteria for admission. Furthermore, it all comes down to high school grades, the application essay, recommendation letters, and a record of extracurricular activities. The potential for leadership is one of the most emphasized admission criteria in American universities. Each university requires applicants to thoroughly document their experiences as a “leader” when filling out the application form. In middle school, I always served as the class representative, and in elementary school, I was the team leader with three stripes. I have no shortage of material to answer this question. However, another problem is troubling me. That is, Have you done any community service? If so, please describe them. (Have you ever done community service? If so, please describe in detail. ) Community Service? A huge question mark appeared in my mind. I went to ask Nancy, an American student studying at Renmin University, what Community Service actually is “What? You don’t even know what Community Service is? ”Nancy stared with her wide blue eyes, her eyebrows raised high almost to the sky. “Really, I’ve never heard of community service before! ” Only then did Nancy realize it, and she said, “No wonder; your school only teaches students how to take exams, so they never have any contact with society!” We are in the United States, and we have been doing volunteer work since we were young! ” It was only after Nancy’s explanation that I understood that the most accurate translation for Community Service is “volunteering”. American society emphasizes community autonomy, and both children and adults consider volunteering to be an inherent duty. Volunteers can be found everywhere, from orphanages to hospitals, from homeless shelters to public places such as community libraries. The more I learn about volunteers, the more confused I become by the questions in the application form. Should I cater to American traditions by making up nonsense and writing stuff that’s full of exaggerations? Should I just say that China doesn’t have a “volunteer culture,” so I don’t have any experience being a volunteer? After much hesitation, I ultimately chose honesty. “I used to teach English at a kindergarten and I’ve also planted trees on barren hills, but in my opinion, this is far from meeting the standards of volunteering. Volunteering can cultivate noble virtues and also help students understand society. However, in schools in China, the high walls create an idyllic environment for students, but they also isolate them from the outside world. I don’t know why Chinese schools do not encourage people to volunteer, or why there is a lack of a volunteer culture in Chinese society. But I believe that the Chinese are the most compassionate and willing to help others. One day, righteous associations will be everywhere in China. ” When I wrote these words honestly and without any embellishment, I had no idea that it would be these few words that helped me get into a university in the United States. A year later, when I was at the orientation party for international students at Dartmouth, an overweight American woman found me in the crowded crowd. “My name is Judith. Are you Zimo? From China? ”Judith spoke at a rapid pace, talking non-stop without any pauses; her face, filled with enthusiasm and a smile, seemed to show an eagerness to get on with things. ““Yes…” As soon as I finished speaking, Judith opened her arms and gave me a rather exaggeratedly enthusiastic hug. Then, she said loudly with a smile, “Welcome!” Welcome to Dartmouth! I work in the admissions office and have read your application. Although you haven’t actually done any volunteer work, we all appreciate your honesty and like the way you think! At Dartmouth, you’ll have many opportunities to do volunteer work! ” Judith’s words were a pleasant surprise. As an admissions officer, she reviews tens of thousands of application documents each year. I never thought that my honesty would make such a deep impression on her. It can be seen that telling the truth has its own charm.