China: A Reflective Essay

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China: A Reflective Essay

Standing atop the highest peak of the Great Wall in Beijing, China after nearly two hours of climbing up the uneven, ancient stairs, I couldn’t help but to think about my life and all the decisions I have made thus far. Drenched in sweat and gasping for breath through the thick, heavy, polluted air, I stood quietly in amazement. I was not only speechless because I had actually braved the nearly 7-mile climb but also because of the picturesque landscape that surrounded me. “I did it!” I thought to myself, “I actually did it!” I closed my eyes and fought back tears of joy.

My journey up the wall had truly been the pinnacle of my trip to China by far. If I was able to motivate myself to make it to the top of the Great Wall despite the hot, heavy air, feeling of exhaustion that crept into every part of my body and the fact that I was dressed in a skirt and flip flops, I could truly do everything. I was on top of the world- well at least the Great Wall. I could do anything. I was invincible. The boost of confidence and satisfaction of completing my journey up the wall was well worth all the pain that I endured. Who knew a quick tourist stop could be so insightful?

Two weeks before my Great Wall epiphany, I had been squeezed into a small plane chair preparing to embark on a 14-hour flight between my grandma and mom. Three generations of women had set out to explore China nearly 6,945 miles away from the US, where no family member had ever gone before. Simply seeking an adventure and quality time with my mom and grandma (yes, I consider quality time flying across the globe and spending two and a half weeks touring a foreign country), I had no idea that the trip would evolve to become an eye opening, li...

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...d be obliged to give everyone I come into contact with a fair chance.

“Look there” an overly excited Chinese teenager screamed as she clinged to me with both arms and smiled. “Wait over here”, a ma commanded as his shy son stood next to me smiling. “One more”, shouted a little girl as she reached up to give me a hug. The attention was overwhelming but I enjoyed every second of it. I kneeled down to hug the little girl and smiled in amazement as a crowed gathered in front of us. Eventually I stood up and went back to my seat. My final paparazzi moment in China had just ended but the respect and kindness that the people showed to me still lingers within me.

After my several life changing experiences in China, I feel confident that I will be able to climb all the Great Walls that I will face in my lifetime (hopefully the next time I will be prepared with sneakers).

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