As the Bamboo Shoots

As the Bamboo Shoots reveals the author's deep roots, the life and family stories of five generations, and more than a century of Chinese history. It is a collection of the true, the good and the beautiful. It is a life journey of challenges, adventures, dreams, and visions. A dream at the age of 17―to attend graduate school in America and see the world―brought a young innocent girl from Taiwan, Celine Yu Hua Tan, to the U.S. Having grown up sheltered and pampered, with limited survival skills, Celine faced many trials in the new land. Celine transplanted her cultivated roots, like bamboo, and became part of a large grove―the U.S.―where she was forced to grow strong quickly. Although there were lots of tears, her deep roots and the love from her family helped her face obstacles and overcome struggles without fear and without regrets. She learned to be like bamboo, swaying in the blowing wind and surviving vigorous storms. She stands tall with pride and honor. Always! For the author, challenges are opportunities to discover one's hidden talents and potential. She loves to learn new things. To her, learning enriches life and brings joy, excitement, and satisfaction. Celine firmly believes that one person can make a difference. She taught in three vastly different countries―Taiwan, the U.S.A., and China, and her students around the world made her path joyful, vibrant, and spiritual. Her passion for teaching and love for her students go far beyond the classroom, time and space. The true, the good, and the beautiful are what the author searches for and treasures in her life. She treats each of her friends as a precious pearl or a gorgeous gem. She strings all of them together and creates an irreplaceable necklace kept close to her heart. Celine's family makes her life more energetic and complete, filled with love, joy, and laughter. She lives and shares the most blessed retired life she has envisioned―to be surrounded by her family and precious grandchildren. As the Bamboo Shoots is one of Celine's dreams and one of her visions. It is the way she has always lived her life. These are the roots and values she wants to pass on to her descendants. The author wishes to share and spread her positive energy like bamboo growing in the sunshine, inspiring and empowering others to reach their potential.