In order to tell you what I believe, I must bring up something from my personal history.

The turning point of my life was my decision to give up my business job and study music. My parents, although sharing my love for music, didn't think it was a good choice to take up music as a job. Considering my family background, this was understandable." My grandfather had taught music for nearly forty years at Spring Hill College in Mobile, and though he was much loved by his students，he didn't make enough money to provide for his large family. As a result of this example in the family, my parents strongly asked me not to go to the music college although I loved my violin and spent most of my spare time practicing it.

Before my graduation from Columbia University, the family ran into some money problems and I felt it was my duty to leave college and find a job. That was why I took a business job. I always thought of it as a waste of time. I went into it for money, for being able to help the family.

Money was all 1 got out of it. It was not enough. I felt that life was passing me by.

My wish was to save enough to quit( 退出)and then go to Europe to study music. I continued to make money, and finally, bit by bit, I made enough to go abroad. The family got out of the trouble and

        I felt like a free man and sailed for Europe. I stayed for four years, worked harder than I had ever dreamed of working before and enjoyed every minute of it.

"Enjoyed" is too soft a word. I walked on air. I really lived. When I broke away from business, it was against the advice of all my friends and family, but if I had stayed in business, I do not believe I would have made a success of living.

Dear Mr and Mrs Brown,

I'm a Chinese boy. My name is Li Hua.

……

Yours,

Li Hua