(Li Laiyin graduated from Shenzhen Middle School and is now studying at Princeton University in the United States.)

A Letter from Princeton

Dear Readers,

The new semester has just begun for Princeton students, but applications and interviews for clubs, organizations and jobs are already in full swing.

Take, for one, the selection process of Princeton's exclusive Eating Clubs. Eating Clubs are unique organizations at Princeton that consist of a mansion, a select group of upperclassmen (juniors and seniors at Princeton), fine food, and weekend parties. In essence, Eating Clubs serve as limited-access restaurants, private libraries/study areas and "playpens" for the old but sometimes immature.

To get into an Eating Club is also very "elitist": all applicants must go through a "bicker" process that involves activities and conversations with current members that continue over the course of three days. The fall semester "bicker" process just ended and, as a member of one of the Clubs, I will be partaking in a voting session in a little under half an hour. We'll see how that goes…

Of course, the traditional job interview process is not far behind the "bicker." After checking my e-mail a few moments ago, I realize I have registered for two finance networking sessions for the next week already, and every hour or so, suit-clad seniors march past my windows, with determination and pounding hearts, to their next interview.

This Friday, Princeton will be hosting a huge career fair in one of its gymnasiums. Literally hundreds of potential employers will be awaiting their potential Princeton employees behind booths displaying information packets, business cards and company pens. Internship interviews are a bit later in the school year, but I can imagine that applications have already started to pile in.

Finally, there has been much momentum for the recruiting of new members to organizations all over campus, be it for singing, dancing, debate or culture. After all, the start of the school year marks a fresh beginning.

Hope you're all doing well and having fun, wherever you are!

Sincerely, Laiyin