We are students. We may have different majors, different career paths, or be in different stages of our educational journey, but we all have this in common: we are students. As students, we have been encouraged to learn as much as we can, to question and challenge the information we are given, to speak up for others who have less than we have and solve problems whenever possible. As students at NC State, we are challenged by one maxim: Think and Do the Extraordinary.
Here in Beijing, we have indeed had extraordinary experiences. From climbing the Great Wall to walking through the Forbidden City (so called because there was a time when no one could enter or leave the palace), we have been immersed in a world that is at once new and familiar. Using what we know about Chinese culture has helped us navigate busy streets, interact with local people and, with some bravery, try unknown dishes at our large and luxurious family style meals. The novelty is in remembering that we are thousands of miles from home, having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Beyond seeing the incredible sights, the word I keep coming back to is connection. We are building connections that will last a lifetime, with our partner schools, the teachers who were gracious enough to host us, the students who enthusiastically welcomed us, and of course, with each other. These are the moments I find extraordinary, when we can step out of our everyday lives and connect with people on the other side of the world. We are now committed to continuing and strengthening these connections, so that not only fellow students at NC State, but also students around the world, may share in the powerful knowledge we have gained. I may need more time to think through all the life-changing things I have done in the past two weeks, but I know that I’m being prepared to do the extraordinary.
