For my STEP Signature Project, I went on the China Global May study abroad trip. I stayed in Chengdu, China where I was paired up with a Yi partner, Iris. She taught me about her ethnic minority’s culture and traditions while also showing me around the city.
There were many experiences and relationships that defined my journey to China. What made the trip unforgettable was pairing up with the Yi partners. There were 12 OSU students on the trip, so we had 12 partners join our group on the first day. All of them were so welcoming and helpful throughout the trip that it was very difficult to leave. Although it was only a month, I was surprised by how strong my friendship with my partner became. We have a lot of similarities and are much more alike than I expected. We grew up on opposite sides of the world and at first glance have very little in common, but our friendship, as well as the other friendships I formed during the trip, made me realize how all humans share the same underlying goal of peace and happiness.