The semester is over; 2016 wraps to a close. I spent about six months outside of the country this year traveling to Ecuador, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, and China. I can’t emphasize enough how much there is to learn by expanding your horizons in a literal sense as well as mentally. The unique perspectives from several of the people I’ve met around the globe and the experiences I’ve had at home and abroad have guided me and inspired me to follow a specific goal. To be back in the United States is nice–mostly just to see family and friends for the holidays–but my time in China felt short and incomplete. There is much more for me to see and do in China than can be accomplished in a mere four months (especially when busy with schoolwork). I’ve been contemplating the idea of teaching English there for a year or two to save some money, see other areas of China, and revisit Chinese friends as well as make new ones. Despite going their without any prior expectations, I was still blown away by everything. China was a wonderful and unique experience for me that’s as equally cherishable as it is memorable. 我爱中国。
