Pre-Trip Class 1 Reflection

This was our first round of direct information regarding the China trip. With the class starting, the lead-up to the China trip begins. One of the class activities was to determine our traveling strengths and weaknesses. I really enjoy helping others and being able to provide value to our group, but I know that sometimes I try to do too much. One of my main focuses on this trip will be to slow down, relax, and take a step back and enjoy what’s around me. In class we also picked our volunteer roles. I try to find things to do whenever I visit a new city, so I felt like the local attractions area would be my best fit. Since class, I’ve reviewed the syllabus to know what to expect in the coming weeks. I didn’t expect there to be blogging work before, during, and after the trip, but it makes sense. Honestly, I’ll probably be happy I blogged when I look back on the trip. One thing that hit me hard this week was the excitement (along with the worry) that I will be in a country on the other side of the planet with little to no knowledge of how to effectively communicate or act in China’s society. I’m sure we’ll be given help from guides and sheltered from some of the difficulties, but it’s still crazy to think about. I’m looking forward to learning more about the trip as the semester goes on I can’t wait to spend a week and a half with the rest of my cohort in China!