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| Hunter Pittman |
This morning I sat down at breakfast, which is large and delicious in Shanghai by the way, and since it was still very early only Dr. Hua and myself were present. This was a very good opportunity to discuss a variety of topics with him. One topic, which came up multiple times, was the value to be had from the varying experiences and locales we will visit in China. So far we have only been in Shanghai, and as Dr. Hua pointed out it seems to be one of the most technologically advanced and cosmopolitan cities in the entire world, but this is not the real China. While all 3 cities we will visit are relatively industrialized and include large urban areas, we will also see the countryside briefly during our trip. Many would say that this is the real China. Despite recent trends of urbanization and migrant workers moving to the cities from the countryside, nearly 60% of China’s population still lives in rural areas and practices agriculture. In addition to discussing these topics with me, Dr. Hua asked me, as he does every morning about everyone in our group’s health and mental state. Dr. Hua is an integral part of the McConnell Scholars program and experience as a whole and I am very grateful for all that he does for us. We are lucky as McConnell Scholars to have not only the experiences and insight gained, but the great relationships and mentors provided by the program.
Hunter Pittman, of Hopkinsville, Ky., is a junior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He is studying anthropology, political science and sports administration.