My Days with Asperger Works

Here’s Zibin Li, a freshman from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou. Or you can call me Bingo which is my English name.

Looking back to the days I spent with Asperger Works, there were a lot of unforgettable moments and precious gains. When I was first introduced to Asperger Works, I actually knew little about what the term ‘Asperger’ refers to. Later on, with the help of the detailed introduction attached below, I figured out the precise meaning of the term, as well as the aim of this non-profit organization.

Notwithstanding the good understanding of Asperger Works (which will be abbreviated as AW in the following), I still felt anxious before getting to work. Not until I met Eva and Daniel (Eva’s son), who are the chief executives and the de-facto key staff of AW did I relax. They are so kind and nice at my first impression—and they are even better than what I first thought. At the first encounter, Eva showed me around the building where the office is located. And after that, she introduced the work of AW in detail. We began to have a free-chat, through which I knew more about Eva and it brought us closer.

In a WONDERFUL pizza restaurant, Newburyport
Left: Bingo Right: Eva and Adam (from back to front)

In the following weeks, our work varied. It changed with the current occasion. For instance, on August 14^th, we would be attending a fair in Lawrence. So, we had to put everything in order before that day. And we were handing the format of different kinds of files, adding graphics to the documents and designing our publicity board. When at the fair, we were glad to see many people who are interested in it come and consult about some information about Asperger’s Syndrome. And the biggest joy during the fair was that I was capable of answering some basic questions asked by others and doing a favor to Eva and Adam (Eva’s husband).

Adam, Eva and me at the fair 
Left to right: Adam, Eva and Bingo

Also, we were in charge of the official accounts of AW such as Facebook and Twitter and posted lots of information about Aspergers, which may be useful to them and help the public to know more about Asperger’s Syndrome.

There were also many unforgettable experiences when Eva took us to go out for a little trip. Once we have been to Newburyport which is a port city nearby. I was immersed in the super charm of nature when strolling along the bank of the river, watching the river funneling into the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying the clean and boundless sea disappearing at the end of my vision. And it was a great pleasure to hang around at such a city of New England style. Adam and me at the river bank, in Newburyport

Also, we have been going out sauntering in Lawrence, Eva has showed us around in the City Hall and a museum which records the history of Lawrence. It was a nice trip that we paid a careful visit of such featured scenic spots and acquired a deeper understanding of the city where we have stayed for 4 weeks.

Tour of Lawrence with Daniel, me, Marina, Crystal, and Lisa

AW is also where I made acquaintance with many nice people. Eva is kind to all of us and was constantly taking care of us volunteers. She is talkative and loves sharing fantastic stories with us, which was so interesting and never failed to catch my attention. Daniel is easygoing and keen on his work. Adam is reserved and cares about us. And Lisa is an outgoing person with whom you will feel endless happiness. Beside Eva’s family, all the volunteers from China, Yuyang, Marina and Chrystal were friendly and helpful.

When my knowledge was going deeper, the special respect I wanted to pay to AW was becoming stronger. Eva, Daniel, Adam and Lisa, all these people are working hard to try their best to run the organization (even tougher considering AW is a non-profit one) to help a special group of people who are treated unequally and are kind of misunderstood by the public. What they are doing are a best interpretation of the common belief that ‘all men are created equal’ in the Declaration of Independence. And I believe that with the efforts combined, the Aspergers will be paid more and more attention to and the goal of AW will be fully realized in the near future!

Though I am returning to China, I will never forget the days I spent with all the people at AW. All these memories will stay and be cherished whatever future experiences will be.