Over the past few weeks, I had been wrestling with a potential decision to discontinue my studies in Chinese at least, for the time being, Allowing me to focus and devote more time to my other classes as well as college apps. However, while completing a summer assignment in which I was required to travel to a restaurant I found myself in the midst of a place that clearly had much Chinese and Taiwanese influence. Whether it was the signs, people, or language all of it was not like anything I was used to. Yet, at the same time, it was something I could begin to become familiar with. I started being able to read some of the signs as I passed by, or pick up snippets of conversation. Now granted I am nowhere near fluent in Mandarin, as became quite clear when I had thought I had ordered dry beef noodles but was served a beef and noodle soup; however, I knew enough to keep up. As I began to speak with mispronounced tones, and long pauses, I still gained a sense of respect by those I was speaking to and even those around me. One woman sitting at the table next to me even complimented me on my accent and the fact that she could actually understand everything I was saying. It was these little things that first made me realize why finishing a language is important, especially for a GIP Scholar. Four years of a language gives you that extra knowledge base, confidence, ability, which allows you to make those lasting connections. It also allows you to come to others both prepared and able to listen. If someone is trying to tell a story you can only get the most out of it if they are telling it the way they want to tell it, in their native tongue. Even past that while there isn't much culture incorporated into the language class, the little bit you do pick up can also prove invaluable at the right time.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending Aaron Fyke's presentation on Global Warming and Sustainability. This presentation was just as educating as it was enjoyable. He was an incredibly animated speaker that kept the audience engaged. He was also able to transform the heavy environment into a lighthearted one with clever jokes throughout the night. However, the most important aspect of that night was the content. As someone who knew a fair amount about the issues and mechanics of Global Warming already, I was happy to have learned more about the issue at hand. I was also received more clarity on how the issue worked and can now explain the importance of this issue using sheer logic. Although this presentation allowed me to become better informed it also opened my eyes to what nations and companies across the globe were already doing to combat it, all of which was new information. It was exciting to see the stats about the reduction of coal use, increase in efficiency o
Chandler, I really appreciated your candor in this entry. You put on the table your struggles and reasons why you "should" drop Mandarin- all are achievement oriented. However your openness in going to the restaurant allowed you to find reasons of substance and depth to continue to stick with your study of Mandarin (and the value of completing four years of language study). What a cool story about the lady who overheard your accent and complimented you. Great, great line: "It also allows you to come to others both prepared and able to listen." That is substance, not GPA, in action.
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