(Written by a computer instructor in Shanghai)

The story “We Got Money” reminds me of my experiences when I first earned money, and I’ve added what my daughter did, too.

Forty years ago, I was sent to Yunnan to work in the field, and I was there for about three years.  We only got provisions every autumn from the village storage place.  There was a rule that a worker could get more provisions if they worked harder or had more hours.

We never got any cash.  Our parents sent us a little money every year to buy the necessities of life.  We were poor and worked hard, but we always enjoyed the trip to the post office to get that money.  

I had learned to draw in high school and got a job earlier than my associates in the country so I got my first wages while they were still working in the fields.  I was paid only 28 yuan a month, but I was very happy and went to the post office to send them 10 yuan.  I told them that with the rest of my wages I could live well by myself in Yunnan and that I wanted to help them have better days.

I gave 5 yuan to two of my associates, as I wanted to share with them how happy I was to get my first wages.  They went to town and had delicious snacks.  The remaining 13 yuan paid for my food the first month.

The lowest standard of living for one person was 8 yuan at that time, and and it's 500 yuan now in Shanghai.

                My daughter Lynn gave me her first wages, but I suggested that it be divided into three parts.  The first part would come to me, as she lived with us.  The second was put in a bank to start a savings account, and the rest she was to use as her expenses for the month.  She was very happy and gave me a beautiful brooch.  I still have it and like it very much.

                Lynn uses credit cards now.  That’s the way she plans how much she’ll spend for the things she needs.  I have nothing to do with the process anymore; she’s completely self-supporting.