Submitted by Christopher Gunter on the 2016 winter session program in China sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice...
Wow, it is hard to believe that I am really in China! Time flies when you are having fun. It has always been my goal to study aboard and to have the opportunity to immerse myself into another culture by learning and being embraced into their culture. While aboard it is also my goal to create memory’s (e.g. try new food, etc.) that will last a lifetime, and so far, I have done just that!
When I stepped off the plane, I entered a new world. From that moment forward, I knew that it would be an experience that would change my entire life. During my first week in China, I experienced many of the national monuments and major tourist attractions, such as: The Great Wall of China, Emperor’s Palace, Olympic Stadium, Silk Street, Chinese Police Museum and the Political Science School of the University of China. Although each of the events are very different, they each left an impression on me.
So far, one of the most memorable experiences that continues to resonate with me stems from my experience at the Great Wall of China. After traveling for two hours by bus through the mountains, we reached the crest of the Great Wall. The temperature was nearly zero degrees, but I travailed forward. I knew this was a once and lifetime experience and I had to seize the day! I was tenacious to not only see the Great Wall but to also hike it. On my hike up the Great Wall (the steps were steep and small) the sight was beautiful. The Great Wall cascades over a large mountain range which were each capped with glacial ice. Although cold, this was truly one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever visited. Ultimately, this experience has been life-changing and I will never forget it.