Random Ramblings

As the end of the semester draws near, the thought that I will not be returning to Georgia Southern for 15 months looms ahead of me. I have begun to appreciate this campus and its inhabitants more and more, and then less and less as they begin to get irritable as finals come around. But I still love them, and I will certainly miss this campus more than I could ever describe.

We had another meeting with Dr. Shumaker last night to go over some more details for our trip, and I can only say that with every meeting I become more and more excited. As I am in charge of finding our flights, I feel that I am actually a crucial part of this experience, and that has made it all the more enchanting. We are discussing leaving a few weeks - yes, weeks - early in order to get to the school and get settled in and explore a little before our classes - and before the dreaded placement exams. I can't say that I'm not nervous about those exams, but I'm sure I will do fine. Other than that, we have been talking about money, what to bring, normal questions like that, so there is definitely a lot to think about. It is all exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but I absolutely love the feeling.

For many months now I have been reading any book I am get my hands on that has anything to do with Chinese politics, history, or culture. As I learn more about the country, I have begun to have a profound respect for its people and its government. The idea that I am going to be immersed into a culture so vastly different from my own is one that honestly scares me, but I believe that as I go, I will learn many things about myself. Already I have begun to realize how independent I actually am, which is something that I've never really thought about before. I've learned that I am doing better with the language than I thought - I begin to recognize characters at a much faster pace these days. That doesn't mean I don't have my off days: for example, the other day I could not recognize a phrase that I know very well. I've learned that lack of sleep deeply inhibits by ability to speak Mandarin Chinese.

So those are the thoughts right now. Also, a note regarding this blog: I would deeply love for anybody to ask any questions they have. About the Chinese language, about my trip, about anything they would like. I would love to have an interactive blog and be able to learn along with you as I travel. So ask questions if you have them!

Beginnings

I guess I should start out with the basics. My name is Christine Dalton and I am currently a sophomore at Georgia Southern University (I will be a junior when my trip begins). I am a Political Science major with a minor in Chinese Language, and I hope to someday work within the State Department or in diplomatic work with China.

The International Studies department wants me to start blogging now, I guess in order to record my thoughts and anxieties about my study abroad. I can understand the wish to see those as well as my trip - preparing myself for this hasn't been the easiest job. Three semesters of Chinese language courses and countless books on the history, culture, and politics of the country have led up to this: an entire academic year's study in Wuhan, China. I will be attending 华中师范大学, or Central China Normal University. It is an incredible opportunity that I have been waiting for my entire life, but I can't say that I'm not a little apprehensive. The culture is so vastly different from my own, and that is going to be a major shock when I step off the plane.

Speaking of planes, that's another thing - that plane ride is going to be NO FUN. NO FUN AT ALL. Haha, I can only be thankful that I will be traveling with 5 friends, 4 of which I have spent the last year learning the Chinese language with. Shout outs to Ryan, Grant, Jimond, Tessa, and Kenneth, my China buddies: it's going to be a great year!