I thought and understood that I would leave Denver someday because I had no plans to stay in the U.S. after college, and I wanted to return to China. But I never thought it would come so suddenly. It took less than a week when I received the charter flight email from the embassy to the time I packed my bags and headed home. I didn’t say goodbye to Denver, and even on the way to the airport, I told myself that my departure was only temporary and that I would come back.

I love Denver in the fall, watching the leaves turn yellow little by little. It’s an unexplainable feeling, but the mood gets better somehow. In the fall, I like to drive around Denver with my friends and enjoy the scenery. Denver is the most beautiful place in autumn. Maybe it’s because the city I live in China has a shortfall, so I am overly fond of autumn. I also love our campus, I love all the flowers and trees, and I love DU after the snow. I love the city of Denver so much.

Since I left my hometown at the age of 18, Denver has helped me grow up a lot. Denver made me a more independent girl, leaving my parents’ protective wings and relying on myself for everything. I can say that after going abroad is to make the world by myself. Everything depends on me. I took a lot of detours and shed a lot of tears. But looking back now, I am confident and proud of my achievements. I used to feel that I was not good enough in every aspect, but now I think I am unique and beautiful both in appearance and soul. I have to admit that I grew up under my parents’ protective wings in China, who protected me so well that I was never wronged. But coming to Denver, where I live in a more culturally diverse place, I have become more and more able to appreciate myself and others and embrace anyone’s differences. Even less likely to judge someone for being different from myself. I have also been able to understand and embrace people I don’t like because of their experiences. I grew up in a family environment that success means a happy family, a successful career, money, cars, and a house. Still, over the years, I’ve realized that everyone’s definition of success is different. So life is much happier with less comparison.

Thanks to my parents’ ability to let me out to see the outside world. Every country has its own different cultures, and there is a big difference between American and Chinese cultures. Because of the cultural differences, living in Denver for so many years has significantly broadened my horizons, truly experienced multiculturalism, practiced the ability to think independently, and cultivated the mindset to face victory and defeat openly. It has also helped me to understand human nature and society more comprehensively. This is an experience that I cannot imitate or taste in China.

Denver gave me my first little house of my own, my first car of my own, and taught me many things to understand. I have unique feelings for Denver, and I know that it will be hard for me to return to this city as soon as I leave Denver, so let’s keep these thoughts in my heart. Denver, we are destined to meet again. I love Denver, my second hometown.