My artifact analysis is the admission letter received by Chinese students from universities in the United States. For most Chinese students who plan going to university in United states, the admission letter means far more than the acceptance to their dream school, more than a coming college life, but a half-year "vacation", which means they do not have to take any classes in high school anymore. So without the compulsive courses in high school, Chinese students will have much time at their own disposal and make their own schedule everyday during such a special period. They may plan to learn some skills, such as driving, dancing, playing guitar and playing tennis. Also, they may plan to do some volunteer work or community services and get a job. And they will make a self-study schedule, list the books they will read during the vacation".
Moreover, they will indeed have some travel plans, both domestic and
international travelling. And hanging out and having fun with friends is also part of their everyday life. After receiving the admission letter, they will be totally relaxed and exicted about the coming half-year "vacation". However, ironically, during this "vacation", some of them will also feel worried, anxious, upset or even depressed, since things do not go off according to their plans. They might not spend any time learning a skill or might not do any volunteer work. Maybe the thing they always do in this time is just staying at home, watching TV or sitting in front of computer all day. And the worst thing is they actually do not study or read one single book at all. So without learning, without getting any knowledge, they may feel hollow and worried about their coming college life. In this case, what the admission letter means to most Chinese students is somehow complex issue that can be analyzed.
Moreover, they will indeed have some travel plans, both domestic and
international travelling. And hanging out and having fun with friends is also part of their everyday life. After receiving the admission letter, they will be totally relaxed and exicted about the coming half-year "vacation". However, ironically, during this "vacation", some of them will also feel worried, anxious, upset or even depressed, since things do not go off according to their plans. They might not spend any time learning a skill or might not do any volunteer work. Maybe the thing they always do in this time is just staying at home, watching TV or sitting in front of computer all day. And the worst thing is they actually do not study or read one single book at all. So without learning, without getting any knowledge, they may feel hollow and worried about their coming college life. In this case, what the admission letter means to most Chinese students is somehow complex issue that can be analyzed.