Art by Peau PorotesanoWhen I first applied to Pepperdine, I was already thinking about where I wanted to study abroad. I knew I wanted to go somewhere that was a completely different environment than what I was accustomed to, a place where I could explore and be outside of my comfort zone. For me, that place was Shanghai, China.Now that I've been here for a few months, being … [Read more...] about I Spent a Night in a Train Station: How I Learned From Being Uncomfortable
China
Notes From The Underground: One Student Navigates Her Faith Within The Christian Undercurrent Of Shanghai
Photos by Kelly RodriguezFor any faith-centered person, going abroad can be a shock to religious habits. One moment you’re singing at your Sunday morning church service; the next you’re walking around a foreign city on a Sunday morning wondering whether you should be at church at all. After renewing my faith in Jesus during my first year at Pepperdine, I was off to … [Read more...] about Notes From The Underground: One Student Navigates Her Faith Within The Christian Undercurrent Of Shanghai
There Must Be Some Misunderstanding: Why Language Barriers Are Good For You
Photos by Kelly RodriguezOne of my favorite things about walking around in Shanghai is being surrounded by spoken and written Chinese. Now having studied in China for three semesters, I have become fairly familiar with the language. No longer do I hear locals speak and not understand one word. However, “ting bu dong” — the equivalent of "I did not understand … [Read more...] about There Must Be Some Misunderstanding: Why Language Barriers Are Good For You
There Must Be Some Misunderstanding: Why Language Barriers Are Good For You
Photos by Kelly RodriguezOne of my favorite things about walking around in Shanghai is being surrounded by spoken and written Chinese. Now having studied in China for three semesters, I have become fairly familiar with the language. No longer do I hear locals speak and not understand one word. However, “ting bu dong” — the equivalent of "I did not understand … [Read more...] about There Must Be Some Misunderstanding: Why Language Barriers Are Good For You
Legacy of One-Child Policy is Uncertain
Art by Christine NelsonI will forever remember the day that my maid, whom I affectionately called “ayi,” or “auntie” told me that she had no “hukou,” or residency. Having just finished my bath, my 6-year-old self wobbled into her Harry Potter-esque room under the stairwell and crawled under her covers. As I lamented that my passport photo … [Read more...] about Legacy of One-Child Policy is Uncertain