This is the first installment of a new series of posts asking au pairs about their impressions of life in America.  The first au pair to take part is WenWen (nickname Candy) from China.

5 Things that Surprised You Most About Life in the U.S.

1. Good protection on nature environment (such as trees, parks etc.)
2. Open minded
3. Some things are expensive.
   • College and university tuition is really, really high, not only for international students, but for U.S citizens who are not in the same state as the college need to pay out-of-state fee.
   • Need to pay for everything, even prescription, and too expensive.
   • Mostly, need to pay tax for everything.
4. Good education for children with special needs in school. The class I went to do volunteering has four kids, one teacher, and two or three educators; summer school for special needs children.
5. Lots of NGOs (non-government organizations) and volunteers

Any of those things you were were surprised to find you like?

# 1, 4 & 5 above

Anything exactly like you had seen in American movies or TV?

People are open minded

Anything very different from what you had seen in American movies or TV?

The food was not delicious to me.  I thought it would be when seeing it before.

Best Experiences Living in the U.S.

1. Have met lots of nice people  (no matter they are Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, etc.) everywhere I’ve been to.
2. Went to a special education school and some NGOs to do volunteering.
3. Have learned about Buddhism.

May you be well and happy!
愿我（您）无害，愿我（您）无怨，愿我（您）无恼，愿我（您）快乐！