NEWS & EVENTS

One day as I am sitting in class, I catch myself thinking about how nice it would be to go back to Europe and study abroad in Greece: frappes by the sea, devouring innumerable gyros, learning about Greek history and mythology, and reminiscing about the laidback European lifestyle I once lived. Soon my thoughts came to life, as I began a conversation with my classmates about travelling the world and cultural immersion. As it turned out, a girl in the group (Maria) was Greek, and soon we were laughing about My Big Fat Greek Wedding and how refusing meat is incomprehensible within the Greek mentality.

The idea of studying abroad for me dates back to sophomore year of high school. In Mandarin class, we were watching a series called Wild China, which was an informational video and narration that explored the immense and unique wildlife and nature of China. Before that, I considered college far away and did not give thought to what I wanted to do. After finishing the series, I knew. I had to explore this place, experience the people, and discover its secrets for myself.

The first Saturday of March, April pushed at my shoulder, “Addy, wake up! He’s already waiting for us at west gate!”

I sat up, looking down at my jeans. “Do I have time to change my pants?” Back in Chicago, I rarely wear pants, let alone jeans. I brought this sole pair with me thinking they would be a good clothing item to potentially lose to Beijing’s smoggy atmosphere, and how right I was: earlier that day upon climbing machinery in the 798 Arts District, first the right seam followed immediately by the left seam of the inner thigh tore down to the knee. I wore tights underneath, thankfully, but I nonetheless looked quite ridiculous.

On Saturday, April 15th, I set off with my friends Emily, Wilson, Adah, and Carol for the Yonghegong Lama Temple, one of the largest and best preserved historical sites in Beijing. I had seen the Lama temple (or at least its subway stop) in passing multiple times- it is only three stops away from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) on the Beijing Line 5 Subway- yet I had never had the chance to get off and explore the site.

My second semester in Beijing has continued to be full of surprises. I am still meeting new people, experiencing new places and foods. It may be too early to say, but I am enjoying my second semester with the TBC program even more than the last. This semester’s TBC students blend together especially well, which is almost too good to be true. This semester I even have two fellow stags, Lauren Jachimcyzk (18’) and Debra Chevalier (18’) to accompany me along this once in a lifetime journey.