A Blog on McConnell Center Life

By Natalie Smith Class of 2016 Prior to our departure for China I decided that I wanted to have something to read during the trip that would relate to our travels. After searching for a bit, I settled on Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang, which is a truly gripping book about the experiences of three generations of women from the beginning of the 20th century to the end. As I read it, I am struck by how arduous each of their hardships were, despite the diversity of their struggles. From foot-binding practices and arranged marriages to the binds of the Communist Party to the suffering during the Cultural Revolution, they each strove to make the best of their situations. One point that the author of this book emphasizes is how universal her grandmother's, mother's, and her own story are for all citizens of China, in that their trials were by no means unique in the time period in which they happened. This being so, I can't help but wonder what eac...

By Mary Elizabeth Young Class of 2016 The lady at the cafeteria next door giggles affectionately as we fumble with our chopsticks; we get turned around more than once attempting to navigate our way back to the hotel via Chinese road signs containing Chinese characters; Travis and Connor have an audience each time they  play catch on the university green and we are asked to take pictures with complete strangers nearly every place we visit.  As we have been fortunate enough to have Dr. Hua and student guides, who have not only translated, but directed us and gone above and beyond to help us acclimate, many of these instances have been comical rather than uncomfortable.  There are times, however, when being foreign is uncomfortable. Times when we are walking down the street and we are completely unable to understand the language being spoken around us (sans "hello" and "thank you") because it's so unlike our own, or when we are having trouble crossi...

By Travis Wilson Class of 2016 My experience during this trip to China has been slightly different from the other scholars.  Experiencing the local cuisine is certainly an important aspect of traveling, and especially interesting in China, a place so vastly different from the United States.  Unfortunately, I am severely allergic to peanuts, not a debilitating affliction by any means, only inconvenient at worst in the United States; however, the limitations are actually quite frustrating and terrifying when facing a foreign cuisine. Navigating the local food has been difficult in some situations.  When I arrived, I was petrified to try anything from traditional Chinese restaurants, due to the frequent use of peanuts and peanut oil.  I quickly discovered that refusing to eat was not sustainable and meals were somewhat awkward watching everyone eat.  I soon discovered that the white steamed rice served with almost every meal was a safe choice.  Sadly...

By Philip Moore Class of 2016 After spending a week in Shanghai, I have found that it is possible to live here and only know a few key Chinese phrases. The Metro has English transitions, restaurants have picture menus, and many people in the service industry know some English. While it can be difficult at times, we are able to get around the city without knowing Chinese.  At some points in time, I have felt like I have been charged more for an item, but since I cannot speak the language, I have no alternative. That has been one of the few practical downsides of not knowing Chinese. For the most part, the Chinese have been extremely receptive to us and have been overly polite in our exchanges. The students all seem to have a background in English and can communicate with us, which is impressive to say the least. Furthermore, it shows that it is going to get easier to only know English and live in Shanghai. However, should we not learn Chinese or othe...

By Kevin Grout Class of 2016 One week in Shanghai, China, and I’ve already learned so much and experienced amazing things.  It didn’t take us long to get used to the money or to recognize our utter lack of language skills.  Although we had all taken a class to prepare us for our trip, there was still a huge culture shock when we first arrived.  Dr. Hua tried to prepare us for the traffic mayhem, but nothing could get us ready for the time Mary Elizabeth found an entire chicken foot in her food.  We’ve all gotten pretty good with chopsticks, but we still have to figure out the metro.  But the experience has definitely been positive so far. So far, my favorite parts of the trip have come from interactions with Chinese students.  We’ve met undergraduate students from the Shanghai Maritime University and doctoral candidates at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.  Both schools are respected in their fields, and the students have begun to help us unders...

By Frank Bencomo-Suarez Class of 2018 I n the reaches of space there exists a type of black hole. Massive in scale and scope, these giants devour even the stars around them. There is, however, hope, should a traveler be so unlucky to find themselves near one. Before one reaches the event horizon, if they manage to both accelerate to a speed close to that of light and leave something behind then, they may manage to escape. On Earth, there is a similar concept: being born into poverty means that chances are you won’t have the opportunities to achieve success in this life. That is the black hole of the modern era: a never-ending whirlwind that traps individuals in a vicious circle from which they may find that not even the light of their dreams can escape. I did, however, mention the possibility of escape, so there is hope even in the light of insurmountable difficulty. Remember, though, that something has to be left behind for such a bold maneuver; this is a law of physics and ...

Landon Lauder ('17) in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina By Landon Lauder Class of 2017 While some people said before my departure that only spending a week in a foreign country isn’t enough to gain anything of value, I always met that assertion with a degree of skepticism. A part of me believed it, especially when so many of my peers are spending weeks and even semesters abroad, but another part of me rejected it. Reflecting back on the week, it seemed like at least a month. Our days were jam-packed with experiences that left imprints on my thinking and on me in general that I know I will carry with me into whatever future plans are out there. Even before I entered college, I knew I had a diverse array of subject interests. While taking seven different classes a day in high school allows that to be accommodated, college is less forgiving for those with minds that think outside of a singularity or binary. It is opportunities such as this ISL&R program that mesh t...

By Victoria Allen Class of 2016 During our time in Shanghai we have had the opportunity to experience some incredible sights. From chicken feet in our dinner to the French Concession, Shanghai is truly a global epicenter. Perhaps more impressive than the progress of a city that rings in at a little more than 150 years old are the students that are its emerging work force.  One of our first stops in the city was to visit the Shanghai Maritime University. Located about an hour and half outside of down town, the university boasts a student population of over 22,000 housed on a campus covering over 700 acres. Our group met up with 10 students studying International Trade Management in the Mulan Memorial Room (dedicated to Secretary Chao's late mother) to have a candid meet and greet. The students were absolutely remarkable, speaking almost flawless English. We discussed the differences between life as a student in the United States and China, and compared university life....

McConnell Scholars Natalie Smith, Victoria Allen and Mary Elizabeth Young with students at Shanghai Maritime University. By Natalie Smith Class of 2016 On our first full day in China, while half of the group was still on their way to Shanghai after a rough couple of days of travel, Philip, Kevin, Mary Elizabeth, and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Mr. John Richter, the Vice President of operations and coating for the Asia/Pacific region. Although I can't say that I knew much about PPG or the paint industry in general (or perhaps I never had the interest), I have to admit that our meeting was fascinating, and our group left much more informed about how personal life and business relations existed in China from an American perspective. Mr. Richter, who we discovered is a cousin of our very own Dr. Gary Gregg, was able to offer us insight into living in China as an American. Though he was born in Pennsylvania and traveled very little while he was younger, ...