We enjoyed listening to our two newly inducted Rotarians, Richard Cui and Jake Wang give their Classification Talks. 

 

Richard was born in South Central China and graduated with a Law degree. For his third year at Law School in Beijing he was advised strongly by a fellow student, to study in Canada. His first application failed but in February 2003, after reapplying, he was accepted. On arrival his first endeavour was learning English in Kamloops, followed by completing his degree at the University of Victoria and finally training in Financial Services with the Bank of Montreal.  His work presently entails giving advice for retirement such as tax and estate planning.

In Vancouver, through his friend Jake, he met and married his wife and they now have a 1½ year old daughter, Lydia.

Richard wants to connect with and give to people in his new community. He felt that joining Rotary would be a good way to do so and after attending various clubs decided to join ours.-

 

In answer to questions he found it tough in the first two years to acculturate to the Western way of life, including in financial terms. He understands it will take further time both for himself and those whom he would like to assist.

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Jake Wang grew up in Beijing, arrived in Canada in 2008 while his family continues to live in Beijing. He graduated in 2010 and works in Accounting, and after five years gaining his CPA last year. He enjoys living in Vancouver, found people very friendly and realized the benefit of living in a country which among virtues cared about pollution of the atmosphere as well as its food.  His decision to join Rotary is part of his goal to help people and and create better conditions generally.  He is concerned about the gap between the rich and poor, both here and in China. He also wants to help Chinese seniors here who, unable to learn English, find themselves isolated as well as despairing to find suitable affordable retirement accommodation with limited resources such as solely through Social Security payments .

 

Both speakers are grateful to Rotarian Grant Yao who has offered to be their Rotarian Mentor.