Mr. Li

Mr. Li, Myself, Fred, and Jimmy

Recently, I have been thinking about Mr. Li. In November of 1985, he arrived from Nanjing to the University of Alberta where he was one of my roommates in HUB for more than a year. Mr. Li was born in the early 40's. He came to the U of A as a visiting scholar. The three of us greeted him with an enormous amount of respect. At the same time, his modesty was profound. "Mister" was sufficient for him. He refused "Professor" or "Doctor". He was simply 李先生 - Mr. Li.

Up until this point, my contact had been with people from Hong Kong or Taiwan. In 1985, Mao had been dead for less than 10 years. China had its current constitution for less than 3 years. Things were changing. But in 1985, I wasn't that politically aware. What I did know was that Mr. Li's study at the U of A was significant. He was very focused on his work. We didn't talk a lot as I had my schedule and he had his schedule. Occasionally, the roommates would gather for a grocery run to Superstore. What I remember of Mr. Li was that he was a quiet and humble man with a gentle smile and a family that he missed.

Fred, Mr. Li, and Me

There was sense of something more to him than what he presented, a history. I've often wondered what stories he may have had to tell and regretted not asking more about his life. In May 1987, he returned to China.

Fast forward to 2008. Most of the people I have contact with are from the People's Republic of China. Many of them are also students at the U of A. They are young, eager to explore Canada, and earnest in their studies. Some are looking to immigrate or to continue to work in Canada but most are looking forward to bringing their education back to China. All are proud of their heritage and love their country very much. In this respect, they are very much like students from the USA or Europe.

Reflecting on Mr. Li, I think of the change in context over the 20 years. I can't help but think it was the Mr. Li's of China that enabled my friends of today to be here as they are. Without the foundation of people like Mr. Li, I doubt if the progress that I've witnessed would have happened.