Reflection 2

As I reflect on my personal brand this past summer, one trait has become apparent to me which I think will come in handy on that trip. Being international. Having traveled to Europe at least once a year since birth, and having visited a good few countries in the continent as well as living in Germany for extensive periods of time, I think this experience navigating international communities will come in handy on this trip to a country which is completely foreign to me. In recent years I have been thinking about the culture differences between Germany and the United States and how that impacts life in the various countries. Going through a similar mental exercise while spending time in China is sure to be not only be a fun experience but an illuminating one as well. In a philosophy class I started to question if the values of the American way of life are misplaced, specifically when compared with those of the Chinese one, given the present rivalry between the two powers. Spending time in the country, meeting the people, is sure help me form a better educated perspective.