It’s been 2 years of studying in a world often opposite the one in which I grew up. Simply walking to the store or a restaurant was always accompanied by flipping through vocabulary books to cram 2,500+ Chinese characters into whatever remaining corners of my brain. Step by step it accumulated as I prepared for the advanced Chinese Test—HSK Level 5—a level capable of reading Mandarin newspapers, watching films, and giving speeches in fluent Chinese. On April 14 the test day arrived along with a slew of nerves. As with any test, I left feeling relieved when it was over, but anxious as to the outcome.
One month later—today—I found the result.
I passed.
60% is required, but I earned 80% with listening even surpassing 90%.
Ultimately, there is no effect of this test. It served as a means to motivate me to study. Yes, I can officially write this on my resume. Yet, any employer interested in my ability will most likely mandate I demonstrate it on the spot. Only level 4 is required if I wanted to attend a Chinese university, and I passed that last year. Either way, it does serve for a great feeling, which I will relish.
Maybe one day this will be of use, and until then, I’ll keep it in my back pocket serving as simply more preparation for the right opportunity. My high school algebra teacher, Mr. Kohler, said that luck is simply preparation meeting opportunity. That formula holding true, one day I believe I’ll count myself “lucky.”
Later days,
Rick
