Graduation & MVP

My commencement was on July 1st, and I receive my second MVP award on the same day!

I was so nervous on June 30th, because I knew that there's an important day coming. I was ready for the ceremony, but I was not sure about the MVP award. I didn't know whether I could get it for a second time. I knew that one certificate from my university was coming, and I was still looking forward to receive another one from Microsoft.

My dad came to my commencement, with a Sony H7 camera, but he didn't manage to take picture of me, because I was too nervous and walking too fast while I was on the stage. After the ceremony, we started taking picture all around the campus. I just kept pulling out my phone from time to time, to check whether I received email from Microsoft.

That email came really on time. It was around 11:00 at night, the same as what happened last year. I was watching TV with my parents, and I told them that I managed to get it twice. They all felt happy and proud.

Atteding the Microsoft MVP Global Summit 2008

I got my first visa last month, and bought my first international airline tickets two weeks ago. And I will be flying to Seattle tomorrow.

Getting a visa seems easy to me. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm in the last year of my university study, and there's no reason for me to give up my degree at this point. During the interview, the visa officer just read my invitation letter and MVP recognition letter, and asked only 5 questions, then said "have a nice trip" to me.

The airline tickets from Beijing to Seattle and then back to Guangzhou cost me about 800 dollars, and that seems cheap enough to me. Since Microsoft will cover accommodation and transportation fees, I just need to spend around 1000 dollars for the whole trip.

Anyway, I got to sleep now, for I need to rush to the airport tomorrow morning. Good night guys.

Microsoft MVP Award received

This is the last day of the month, and I have to post something to keep the pace, which means at least 1 post per month. In fact, I received the MVP Award at the first day of the month, but I totally forgot to write it down in this blog.

There are around 200 active MVPs in mainland China, and about 2000 active MVPs all over the world. And I'm so proud to be one of these 2000. As an MVP, I received an Award Pack from Microsoft, which included a laser pen, a USB drive, and a $150 coupon from Microsoft Company Store.

I have chosen a camera, a headset and a keyboard in the Company Store, and had $60 left. Then I picked some gifts for my parents and friends. Sharing the value of the award with people who supported me makes me feel quite happy, as I think their support is also some kind of contribution to the community and they deserve it.