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When I was in eighth grade, I began a journey of studying Mandarin Chinese which has changed in many ways. In beginning my my studies, I dreamed of one day having the chance to visit China and practice what I had learned in class and an gain insight about China’s culture. My studies continued on into high school and college, and with each year of newly acquired knowledge, my aspirations to go abroad grew stronger. This past summer my dream of visiting China became a reality. I had the incredible opportunity of participating in the Discovering Urban China Global Seminar with an amazing group of insightful classmates and professor. I spent three weeks in China visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Thought my experience abroad, learned about tradition, modernity, and nostalgia, as well as conducted a small research project about art in public spaces.

            Thought my trip, I had copious opportunities to immerse myself in places that I had only seen in my history books and travel journals. The Great Wall of China, The Old Summer Palace, The Bund, The Terracotta Warriors-walking though sites such as these was a surreal experience that will forever hold a special place in my memories. I found that my took my breath away with each new endeavor and a smile was plastered on my face, from the time I got on the airplane in Denver until returning home.

            One of my favorite memories from my trip to China was one evening in Xi’an. After having visited the Terracotta Warriors, my classmates and I made our way to the Xi’an City Wall for a bike ride. Upon climbing to the top of the wall and getting on a yellow bike, I felt a joy like no other. I appreciated the thoughtfully painted strokes of pastel colors that illuminated the sky, the glistening gold and silver reflections tucked between buildings and lush green trees, the rhythm of music and the streets below, the wind passing me by, and the conversations I shared with my newly made friends. It was in those moments on the city wall reflecting on my trip  that I felt an overwhelmingly strong sense of gratitude for the memories that I collected.
            In Shanghai I tried xiao long bao, explored the former French Concession, and went for a day trip to Hangzhou. One of my favorite activities in Shanghai was walking along The Bund both during the day and at night to see the city lights. One evening, I sat beside a large window at the top of the  Shanghai Tower and watched the sunset, while the lights on the building flickered on one by one and the boats passing through the river below. Also in Shanghai, having the opportunity to visit and learn about the Jewish Quarter history was a very powerful and memorable experience.

            Having the opportunity to go to China was a life-changing travel opportunity. I am grateful to have been able to learn an incredible array of information, practice my language skills, create memories that I will always carry with me, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Going to China has not only provided me with many stories and deeper knowledge, but also has given me a drastic confidence boost in my ability to travel. I have returned home as an improved, more insightful version of myself and with a more-clearly defined vision for my future goals. Going to China was a dream come true, and a motivation to study hard and strive to continue on a path of making my goals a reality.