As we drove off from Columbia, I wanted to write a letter to you to tell you all that is on my mind.
當我們開車駛出哥倫比亞大學的時候，我想寫一封信給你，告訴你盤旋在我腦中的想法。
First, I want to tell you how proud we are. Getting into Columbia is a real testament of what a great well-rounded student you are. Your academic, artistic, and social skills have truly blossomed in the last few years. Whether it is getting the highest grade in Calculus, completing your elegant fashion design,successfully selling your painted running shoes, or becoming one ofthe top orators in Model United Nations, you have become a talentedand accomplished young woman. You should be as proud of yourself aswe are.
首先，我想告訴你我們為你感到特別驕傲。進入哥倫比亞大學證明你是1個全面發展的優秀學生，你的學業、藝術和社交技能最近都有卓越的表現，無論是你在微積分上得了最高分，完成自己典雅的時尚的設計，成功賣出繪製的跑鞋，還是在“模擬聯合國”演説中成為表現最突出的人之一，你毫無疑問已經是1個多才多藝的女孩。你的父母為你感到驕傲，你也應該像我們一樣為自己感到自豪。
You have been a great kid ever since you were born, alwaysquiet, empathetic, attentive, and well-mannered. You were threewhen we built our house. I remember you quietly followed us every weekend for more than ten hours a day to get building supplies. Youput up with that boring period without a fuss, happily atehamburgers every meal in the car, sang with Barney until you fellasleep. When you went to Sunday Chinese school, you studied hard even though it was no fun for you. I cannot believe how lucky weare as parents to have a daughter like you.
你不但長得可愛，而且是個特別乖巧的孩子。你從不吵鬧、為人着想，既聽話又有禮貌。當你三歲我們建房子之際，每個週末十多個小時你都靜靜地跟着我們去運建築材料，三餐在車上吃着漢堡，唱着兒歌，唱累了就睡覺，一點都不嬌氣不抱怨。你去上星期七的中文學習班時，儘管一點也不覺得有趣，卻依然很努力。我們做父母的能有像你這樣的女兒真的感到非常幸運。
You have been an excellent elder sister. Even though you twohad your share of fights, the last few years you have become bestfriends. Your sister loves you so much, and she loves to make youlaugh. She looks up to you, and sees you as her role model. As yousaw when we departed, she misses you so much. And I know that youmiss her just as much. There is nothing like family, and other thanyour parents, your sister is the one person who you can trust andconfide in. She will be the one to take care of you, and the oneyou must take care of. There is nothing we wish more than that yoursisterhood will continue to bond as you grow older, and that youwill take care of each other throughout your lives. For the nextfour years, do have a short video chat with her every few days, anddo email her when you have a chance.
你也是個很好的姐姐。雖然你們姐妹以前也會打架，但是長大後，你們真的成為了好朋友。妹妹很愛你，很喜歡逗你笑，她把你當成她的榜樣看待。我們開車離開哥大後，她非常想你，我知道你也很想她。世界上最寶貴的就是家人。和父母一樣，妹妹就是你最可以信任的人。隨着年齡的增長，你們姐妹之間的情誼不變，你們互相照應，彼此關心，這就是我最希望見到的事情了。在你的大學四年，有空時你一定要常常跟妹妹視頻聊聊天，寫寫電子郵件。