I chose a man that I talk to occasionally when I'm at work. I work at a laundromat and when this Chinese man comes in he comes over and talks to me just about every time. His name is Louis, which I believe is his name he uses here in the US. Louis is different from me because he is a Chinese man whose family moved to California from China when he was younger. He's a grad student at Kstate right now and was in the army for three years.

     Last time I saw him I asked him to get personal with me for the sake of my assignment and he was all for it. I learned about Louis' perspective on the government, which he was very opinionated on since he was in the army and is still in until the end of this year. Louis is going to grad school and the army is paying for it because he served for three years. He talked about stuff that I can't exactly share out of respect because he told me in confidence, but he isn't too happy with the Army and the way they handle certain things, and the way he gets paid. He is thankful for his education though, he was sure on that. He told me about not seeing his family often because he is here in Kansas. I've always been near my family so it's sad to hear that he can't go home on holidays because his family is so far and it's so expensive to get there. Louis has also told me about how hard it is to have a girlfriend too (yes he told me that). I've heard from other people that being in the Army can be lonely, and Louis definitely agrees. I believe that is partially why he likes to come over and talk to me because he doesn't really talk to women, and civilians in general, often and is usually surrounded by army people.

    When I reflect personally on the things he tells me it makes me realize what a fortunate life I've had. I've been around my family my whole life. I live close enough to drive and see them as I please. I can't imagine leaving my home to come to a totally different country, and then leaving my family to go to school and join the army. I don't have to deal with the government and I didn't know some of the things he told me, and it surprised me how people in the Army, the people who fight for our country, aren't getting treated the way they should. I never realized how lonely that life can be, and I hope now that he is going to be done with the army that he will be able to get out and meet new people and enjoy his life as a student at Kstate.