Advice to Teenager Leaving for America

Well-respected architect and philanthropist, William Ming Sing Lee, was born into one of the wealthiest families in Shanghai. (see post one.) As a child, he wanted for nothing...except that which was unattainable: good health and a more empathetic mother. (see post two and post three.)
While the war made some things--like great medical care--impossible, it opened an unexpected window for Billy. His cousins--who were enrolled in English-speaking schools-- often held dance parties for the American sailors coming through. 

“I would be sitting at the top of the stairs watching. The sailors stayed at our home quite often, too. They would listen to English-language broadcasting which often had comedians telling jokes. They would be laughing like crazy, and I couldn’t figure out what they were laughing about.  Even after the translation, it didn’t make sense. However, their laughter and obvious joy started my interest towards the west.”

One day, after WWII ended (Aug1945), fifteen-year-old Billy stopped by the Shanghai American School to see if he could be admitted. His English was not very good. But Billy's parents, who were proud of his pro-activeness, embraced this idea. Billy spent 8^th grade at SAS. Then, in 1947, he boarded the General Gordon U.S. ship to America where he attended Phillips Academy Andover in Massachusetts, the same school his father had attended. 

Phillips Academy Andover

Billy showed me a note his father had written before he left for America.
“It will be impossible for me to look after you, teach you, and remind you as I did before. You will have to remind yourself that, in a way, you are representing all of your countrymen. Glorify your country, but never do anything to disgrace it. Be good, my boy.”

"Be good, my boy."

Billy said that his father taught him, “When you go to America, people will humorously pick on you. Not bully. So, you have to keep a sense of humor, even if you don’t have that humor yet. Be patient. Be open. Don’t take insults too seriously.”
That bit of advice stood him in good stead when his Andover roommates switched out his hair tonic for something far less pleasant.

(To be continued. Next: Chinese 'Perfume' Breaks the Ice.)