冒险 means “adventure”

One week from now, I will be boarding a 14-hour flight to Beijing.  I keep repeating this to myself, hoping that I will start to believe it some time in the near future.  It really does not seem possible, partly because I have not given any serious thought to packing, and partly because I was living at Holy Cross just last month.

This summer, I had the opportunity to conduct research on Chinese linguistics and pedagogical techniques.  I worked with another student (who also will be studying abroad in Beijing this fall) and two professors from the Holy Cross Chinese Department.  Leaving Holy Cross was incredibly bittersweet.  Not only was I gaining valuable research experience, but I was also living in Williams Hall with one of my closest friends, a city view, and access to a car (the trifecta).

As you can imagine, choosing to study abroad for a full year was a difficult decision and required a lot of thought before committing.  Therefore, I did what I always do before making a big decision: channel Rory Gilmore and write a list of pros and cons.

Con: missing home

• friends and family

• junior year on the Hill

• volunteering with SPUD and LGR

• Spotify

Pro: experiencing new things

• eating authentic Chinese food

• following a language pledge

• living in such a large city

• attempting to sing karaoke

• meeting new people

• traveling around Asia

• having a Chinese roommate

• interning in Shanghai

While recording everything I will miss is not exactly uplifting, this list also makes me realize how many amazing things will soon be coming my way.  And the best way to approach new challenges is to give them all you have.*  I am looking forward to doing just that and am grateful for everyone who helped me get here.

Thanks for reading and let the adventure, or 冒险 màoxiǎn, begin!

-Holly

*Check out this song: “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals.

When I say I will miss junior year on the Hill, this is what I mean.

Exploring Worcester this summer turned into trying as many dessert places as we possibly could.

Thought I should visit the U.S. capital before going to China’s.

冒险 can be translated as both a noun and a verb, meaning “adventure” and “take a risk,” respectively.

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