I chose the memoir route because I was having trouble figuring out what to take away from my experiences here. Chinese culture is still a mystery to me, and there is a lot I still do not understand about the education system.  However, partially because of our general preconceived notions and partially because a large part of our reading came from a book called Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I was inclined to look for understanding through the lens of oppression and conformity.  I quickly decided to try to reject this lens.  One month in a nation thousands of years old did not seem enough to make such a judgment.  Unlike in Ecuador, there is no particular issue that we could pinpoint to work on.  There is no right and wrong.  There are only mysteries and systems.  So my goal with this piece is to look at a few of the more potent experiences I have had in China and, well, take something away from them in a form that could also portray the significance of the experiences to an audience.  Thanks for reading!

• It's a good thing a cat has nine lives, because that could have been seven
• A spark can start a fire that burns an entire prairie
• Not only can water float a boat, it can sink it also
• I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand
• Riding a mule while looking for a horse

Article translation: At the same time you will see conventional Chinese musical instruments and enjoy music played by American Western instruments. While enjoying the famous sound, ambushed from all directions, played by the Pipa, you will also enjoy 'Hallelujah' sung with guitar music. The demonstration of graceful Dai minority dance and the Christmas carol 'Jingle Bells' both radiate happiness.  Read More

What happens if you don't get accepted into your dream school? Here's a suggestion: Take the year off and then try again.

Some students end up gaining admission to elite schools like Harvard, Duke and Princeton after they delayed their freshman year. Instead these status seekers embark on a gap year, which strikes me as more fun than kindergarten.  Read More