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| This year, I see two former interns in the same photo, at the same reunion dinner; they got married after university. |
The eve of the Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated by a ‘reunion dinner’ attended by all the members of the family. Those who are working or studying away from home would make the special effort to return to the family home. The ‘reunion dinner’ and sharing of food is of special significance to the Chinese family, so for those who are not unable to make the trip home - they are often welcomed into the folds of the family of close friends as one their own. Likewise, Chinese students overseas who are unable to make the trip home have their reunion dinner with their ‘family’ of course mates, when many try to replicate Mom’s cooking.
Since 2012, our interns started an unusual custom - of sharing photos of their reunion dinners in our Min-ions chat group. On the eve of our New Year, photos would come flooding in; from the other side of town, from different parts of the country, and from overseas. It is our little reunion in a way - many of these young people are like family members; ‘borrowed’ children from another life. And the practice continues to this day.
Over the years, the photos develop like story-lines within a stage set. The now familiar half-moon arch between the kitchen and the dining room framing the scene. A simple home-cooked dinner with fish served on a Formica table-top. Another more elaborate spread with roast meats on a glass lazy susan. Expectant faces; some familiar, some new, some missing - this year grandma is no longer in her seat by the window. This year, I see two former interns in the same photo, at the same reunion dinner; they got married after university.
This might seem trivial to some but it is precious to me; a privilege to be fleetingly included in their family. Familiar strangers connected by a 3-month internship. We were their surrogate family when they were training in our office – now they are returning the favour and including us in their story.
A longer version of this article was published here 8 years ago, the subject then was about nurturing interns in the work place. I wrote this shorter version to remind myself and others that some relationships no matter how tenuous might leave a lasting impression in someone’s life, and to be mindful of our words and actions. Quite appropriate for this Year of the Rabbit; intelligent, thoughtful and considerate.
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| Lance 2015 |
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| Kai Wen 2015 |
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| Kai Wen 2023 |
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| Melissa 2015 |
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| Melissa 2023 |
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| Sarah 2015 |
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