On a bright summer day in 1936, at a seaport on the coast of China, a 24-year-old woman

named Qian Cheng Wu was embarking on an adventure.

Oh, Qian Xiong, your Baba and I can hardly believe you're sailing all the way to America.

We'll miss you so much, daughter.

I'll miss you too, Mama and Baba.

You've made sure to pack everything you need.

I have, Mama.

You've brought plenty of books to it?

Of course, Baba.

And lots of warm sweaters.

It's going to be cold out there in.

What's the name of the state again?

It's somewhere in the Midwest.

Michigan, Mama.

The ship lands in San Francisco, California.

Then I'll travel across the country to a town called Ann Arbor to study at the University

of Michigan.

And to write to us, tell us how you're doing.

The moment the ship dogs Baba, and you'll come back to visit us, first chance you get.

Of course, Mama.

You know I will.

We'll be back together again in no time.

...