Miss Zhong  Location:TX 

    This week we made a special trip to Houston to visit a renowned local landmark: a colossal shopping mall. Its scale far exceeded our expectations, sprawling across such vast terrain that navigating it felt like traversing a labyrinth. Inside, most were flagship outlets of global brands, especially clothing shops that had us overwhelmed. From the moment we stepped in, it was as if we’d been pulled into another world. We totally lost track of time and space—seriously, I have never been this absorbed in shopping before！

    Yesterday afternoon we fueled up at a random restaurant before the "shopping battle." Then came the real deal: we hit every floor and main areas in this mall nonstop till 9 PM. Only when we finally collapsed into chairs did we feel our sore legs and total exhaustion—that shopping marathon drained us!

    While we were shopping, we stumbled upon a HeyTea store, which was a total surprise! Seeing a familiar brand abroad gave us instant comfort. We each grabbed a drink to test its US flavor. It turns out we loved it! Their brown sugar boba milk tea, with chewier pearls, perfect sweetness, and extra creamy texture, topped the charts. Surprisingly, a WeChat scan-to-order QR code was at the entrance, just like back home! Using it felt completely effortless, melting away our tension in seconds.

    Most drinks at this Heytea cost around $8 to $9. Before seeing the menu, I’d thought prices would reach $10 to $15, but when converted to RMB, they’re a bit more expensive than in China—though not nearly as expensive as I’d imagined. Sipping my drink, I suddenly recalled last semester’s group project: a research on Heytea’s overseas expansion strategy. Back then, it was all just data analysis and case studies. Never did I expect to be drinking an overseas Heytea so soon, it felt surprisingly surreal!

    HeyTea's rocking it here, Chinese expats and many locals love it! Just like our research discovered, they prioritize quality control and calorie transparency (every menu item shows numbers). What’s more, Heytea regularly rolls out collaborative products, pop-up events, and community-focused marketing, which are all tailored for US tastes. Overall, while the vibe differs slightly from China, that premium HeyTea quality stays solid.

    This Houston trip wasn't just shopping, it showed us Chinese brands making waves overseas. Though a full day of exploring left us tired, it has been a highly rewarding experience.

Miss Xie  Location:New Mexico

    

    The sixth week brought the blazing sun as usual, its heat already seeping into the metal handrail during guard shift change. My main task today—restocking the first-aid kit. Under the scorching sun, the tweezers and scissors gleamed with a cool metallic sheen, yet my every movement felt like a contest against the searing beach.

    The afternoon unfolded in multiple activities: scanning the beach like a beacon from the watchtower, mending tiny tears in the shark nets and calming children startled by crashing waves. Whistles, voices, and the roar of the ocean merged into a symphony of duty.

    During the afternoon first-aid training drill, as my teammate's fingers trembled slightly while wrapping the tourniquet around me, I steadily took the other tools he handed over. In that instant, sweat stung my eyes. Yet what passed between us wasn't just bandages, but wordless mutual trust. Amidst the chaotic waves and bustling crowds, this solitary profession of guardianship is fostering a solid foundation of mutual trust between people.

    On the way back, my fingers brushed against the cool whistle hanging on my chest. No longer just a tool, it had etched upon my heart an emblem of guardianship: every precise repair under the sun, every gentle reassurance—these are what keep others' summer safe and happy. Each patrol was a precious escort through the safety and the happiness on the beach.

Mr. Wu  Location:VA

    This week brought both events and rewards. Though now working nine and a half hours daily (time feels perpetually short), the pace remains manageable—just intensely productive. And every day I switch between shifts and workouts. What’ s more, following recent incidents at local pools (lifeguards distracted by phones, others neglecting duties), our supervisor organized a poolside re-education briefing Tuesday night. Despite its serious purpose, the atmosphere stayed light, he made sure everyone was fed before starting. Surprisingly, I met a guy from Xinjiang, China! Finally, I have someone to speak Chinese with!

    He’s been transferred here and will work at our pool—so nice to have a teammate-to-be!! This weekend, due to staff rotations, I was assigned to coastal duty near my original pool. Standing guard with the sea breeze on my skin felt pretty pleasant. Counting it up, I realized there’s just over a month left! I’ll savor every moment while anticipating what’s ahead.

Miss Yang  Location:VA

    After interning at the surf shop for a month, I've settled into a steady rhythm.

    This week marked new independence: opening the shop for morning shifts solo and handling inventory checks. I now confidently recommend surfboards tailored to customers' skill levels, explaining gear like wax blocks and leash attachments with ease. With rainy days increasing and foot traffic dipping, we seized the chance to adjust displays, spotlighting summer-sale  sun shirts and waterproof bags at a conspicuous spot on the shelf waterproof bags at a conspicuous spot on the shelf.

    The manager started involving me in supply inspections—learning to cross-check orders and assess board quality. My biggest leap was spotting cosmetic flaws on boards instantly, knowing when to flag them for professional repair. Regulars feel like familiar faces now! One local surfer even praised my knack for pinpointing ideal surf spots for tourists.

    Though repetitive tasks sometimes drag, that spark of pride when matching customers with perfect gear makes it all worthwhile. I'm looking forward to learning more about operations next month!