This is an interesting piece of writing to see the American influence reflected in a young Chinese mind. It’s essentially a Chinese interpretation and adaptation of Obama’s Presidential Campaign slogan. It’s a helpful essay for anyone interested in how traditional Chinese culture & education fuses with modern Chinese culture &education, along with American media influence.

“Yes, We Can”

Everyone needs confidence.
Sometimes we feel we are so small and just like the sands. But with confidence, even the sands will shine brightly. To be honest, while preparing for the speech, I’ve thought about giving up, and more than once, I wanna quit. But now, I’m standing here, and I’ll say to myself: Yes, I can! Like most people, we don’t have rich expressions and we’re not skilled speakers, either. But say to yourself: Will that matters? No, confidence will make myself understood.

Not only individuals need confidence, a country, a nation also needs the power, the national spirit! Though we were not born in the age when the aggressors stepped on our land, but I think no one would forget the time when Chinese were called cowards. Are we? Of course not! But only when we believe ourselves, can we really be confident Chinese! And when disasters came, a city damaged in a moment. Many people lost their lives, and many became homeless. Some were on the verge of collapse, but more people firmly believe that the word “despair” doesn’t exist! We can wipe off the tears, chase away the sorrow, and as for all the burden, just shake it off! There is nothing we can’t do! And once again, you’ll see: Yes, we can!

In the end, I just have a small wish, that from now on, any time when you’re down, you could say to yourself: Yes, I can. And any time when our country is down, we, the Chinese, could say to the whole world: Yes, we can!