My Step Signature Project was a study abroad excursion in Chengdu, China. I don’t know what I expected from the Global May China program or what I hoped to experience during my time abroad. I was constantly advised to go into the experience with no assumptions of the things that I may encounter and did my best to do so; however, my imagination tends to run wild. I came up with so many scenarios, good and bad. You’d think that with an over-active imagination like mine I wouldn’t be so surprised at how amazing everything turned out. Over the course of a month I made new friends, memories, and dreams. Every experience, laugh, irritation, and adventure was made better because of the people around me. I can honestly say that it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I’ll always hold the memories dear to me. 

     During the program, I was able to experience a diverse and intricate mix of ethnic, rural and urban cultures in the historic and geographically varied region of southwest China. An extra bonus was the opportunity to be paired with a local Chinese student who attends the local college for ethnic minorities, Southwest Minzu University. Together we visited ancient temples and teahouses, spun in traditional Yi dances, and got lost in the beauty of China. My time abroad changed me in so many ways. I had to navigate various culturally-diverse environments in a non—Western setting. I quickly learned how to observe a room for social cues and conduct myself in a way that is open and respectful. I also had to actively think of new ways to communicate with the people around me, verbally and non-verbally. 

     Throughout the various language exchanges, I learned how to become a better listener and how it’s a vital attribute in building new relationships. I’ve come to realize when that when I stop and take the time to process what someone is saying; a new sense of trust and empathy is built upon that. I learned how my movement in the different spaces I preoccupied could affect or attract attention based around my identity as a black person and a U.S. foreigner in formal and informal settings. As I navigated roadblocks, I built a stronger sense of confidence and an increased self-awareness that motivated me to push my limits and achieve a goal. It may sound simple, but I cultivated the ability to grasp a new sense of impermanence and living in the moment. Our time was fleeting which led to me developing an appreciation for the small moments. It became a regular occurrence to try new things and let my curiosity expand my thinking from new perspectives. Finally, through the connections I made, I grasped the importance of community and maintaining patience before I make assumptions. The world is full of depth and there is always more to learn. 

     There were several catalysts that inspired me throughout my journey. The first is my partner, Yangyi. She was considerate and friendly as soon as we met, a warm presence that I almost didn’t know how to react to, but appreciated, nonetheless. Since our first meeting, we’ve joked, talked, and laughed endlessly, and it’s safe to say that she’s the fastest friend I’ve ever made. There’s a running joke in our group that Yangyi is my “amo” which means “mother” in Yi language because she always tells me to eat, drink water, and get enough rest.; therefore, I’ve taken to calling her “Yiyi Amo” or “Yiyi Mama” when she coddles me. I’ve always talked about how I want to advocate for the people in my community and be an active ally in the movement for diversity and inclusion. Knowing her has made me even more dedicated to becoming a welcoming presence for others like she was for me.  

     My favorite part of the trip had to be our adventures in Yunnan Province. At one point, we partnered with Shilin Minzu Middle School, a high school that is geared towards ethnic minorites, in a cultural exchange. I was humbled by the hospitality and genuine consideration that they constantly showed toward us as well as the enthusiasm they expressed in sharing their traditions with us.  We had the honor to participate in various activities and interacting with the staff and students was a lot of fun   Our time in Shilin cemented my dedication to taking a gap year before beginning my master’s program in Public Health to teach English abroad or join AmeriCorps. I believe that it could be a rewarding experience that encourages my self-growth personally and professionally. I could pursue an adventure while strengthening my ability to work in multi-cultural environments and recognize how such an environment can vary with context. It’d also be a great way to improve my skill at relaying information as efficiently as possible and remaining conscious of my speech. I also look for ways I could be more personable and engaging when meeting new people. 

     The transformations I went through have given me new perspectives on my academic, personal, and professional goals in other ways as well. I want to have a career in Public Health with a focus on cultivating inclusive, accessible environments that are healthy and safe through community-based outreach and treatment. My interests are black and indigenous health, mental and physical health, LGBTQ+ health, environmental justice, trauma, addiction, and mass incarceration. I plan to start in local community initiatives, progress to national work, and eventually operate in an international context. In Chengdu, I learned more about the ways cultural beliefs and traditional medicine has remained an important aspect in treatment. During my studies and my subsequent career, I want to find ways in which we can create equitable environments that stress the importance of including these beliefs and practices into health care and health education. 

     It’s hard to sum this experience up in such a short amount of time. When I try to explain it to my family and friends, I often become frustrated because I don’t know if words could ever do it true justice. I grew in so many ways and I’m grateful for the hard work of Professor Aku Wuwu, Dr. Bender, and people behind the scenes that make this program possible. Most of all, I’m thankful for the Chinese partners who are the foundation of the program and took our experience to a whole new level.