Shanghai

The largest city in China (population wise), Shanghai is known for its western influence and modernity. There are several foreign companies in Shanghai as well as foreign workers. One of these foreign workers is David Moo, an actuarial consultant from the Knox class of 2000. Receiving an American salary in China has provided David with an upscale apartment with a wonderful view of the Pearl Tower (one of the more famous sights in Shanghai). He lives there with his wife Lynne Wymore Moo (Knox class of 1999) and their two daughters (Lilly, Knox class of 2027, and Sofia, Knox class of 2029). Lynne has risen to the challenge of raising her children abroad, which amazes both Abbie and myself after having a challenging time on our own in China. Lynne and David decided to work and raise their family abroad after having enjoyed their own study abroad experiences as Knox students (Lynne in London and David in Budapest). When they first decided to go to Shanghai, they contacted the Knox Alumni Office to see if there were any alumni living in Shanghai so that they could start creating a social network. The list they received was mainly full of current students and parents, so they seemed extremely happy when I contacted them.

The Moos opened their home to Abbie, Lin, and me (after only knowing us via the Knox Alumni Relations Office), and we greatly enjoyed their hospitality. They even invited us back for whenever we want to visit Shanghai again, need to pass through, or are experiencing culture shock and would like western food. David even put us in contact with his coworker, Lisa, who commutes between Shanghai and Suzhou everyday. She accompanied us on our trip home to help us learn all the secrets of taking the train. Our time in Shanghai taught us that building valuable connections is like throwing a pebble into a pond. The pebble may be small, but it ripples out. However, Knox alums have boulders instead of pebbles-- the ripples keep extending till they reach the banks of the pond. In return for the Moo's help, we offered free unlimited babysitting for a year based upon availability as well as help with packing when they move to their new apartment (which will be closer to Lilly's school). This is how we believe the Knox community should work abroad—providing a family away from home.