As a photojournalism major, I have to shoot a story every week. It’s not easy to come up with fresh (and practical!) ideas on a regular basis, especially considering that I spend most of my time either on campus or at home. Last weekend I shot a story about the reunion of Sargent College of Heath and Rehabilitation Science. What fun! There were alumni who graduated during the 1940s and 1950s, and the youngest graduated earlier this year. All of them were dressed up and in a high spirit, which provided a warm and joyful atmosphere.

There’s one special reason that I went to shoot this event — to meet a teacher from my undergraduate university back in China. She graduated from Boston University 50 years ago. After her husband passed away (he was a Chinese American), she went to China alone (for the first time) to see her husband’s hometown and to teach English at the university in Shanghai. She is such a great teacher and nice person that students called her “grandma.” Last year, because of health problems, she came back to the U.S. after seven years teaching in China. As she left, the thought that I may never see her again upset me deeply.

Last weekend, we met again, still on campus, only on this side of the Pacific Ocean. She received an award for her service in China, and I was so lucky to be there, using my way of expression — photography — to document the moment.

This is my teacher, Dianne Hu. She received the  “Dudely Allen Sargent Service Award” for her contribution as an educator and mentor in Shanghai after retirement.

Colleen Kigin from class of 1978, received the Professional Achievement Award.

David Kobasa took his daughter Nicole to the reunion. Although this is his first time attending a college reunion, Mr. Kobasa has returned to school every year for seminars on financial planning. He won the Twiness Award for his service for the advancement of the school.

Patricia Redmond from class of 1959 is helping Patricia McPherson from class of 1948 with buttons. “The ceremony is fine,” said Ms.McPherson, “but I can’t find any classmate.” It’s been 60 years since her graduation.

The alumni reunion also reminded me of my boss at NBC during the Olympics. He is not only a BU alumnus, but he’s also from the Department of Film and Television at the College of Communication. Among all of my colleagues, he was highly respected and well liked by everyone. When I learned that he went to BU, my excitement was beyond description. As a successful television producer and director, he talked excitedly about his experience at BU with me and provided many tips on BU life. I received a call from him the first week I arrived Boston. He called to say hello and wish me good luck at school. I have to say that before school started, my first impression of COM was already established.

Talking with alumni is a very important way to get to know a school, and I’m lucky to have met some amazing BU graduates. Next year I’ll graduate (so soon!) and become one of the alumni! I can’t believe that, having just arrived here two months ago. But first I have to figure out what to shoot this week, so stay tuned!