Missing China...

It has already been over two days since we returned to AA from our whirlwind trip to China. I have to admit these first days back at the daily grind are not easy. Jetlag hit me harder on this side of the trip. During the first days in China, I adjusted rather quickly to the sights, sounds, and smells of China. I fell right in step with the pace of Chinese life. Granted, I did go to bed earlier than I have in years (10pm is a record for me.) I miss the sound of the city outside my window, the reflections of neon signs that I cannot read or understand. While in China, the excitement and novelty of the experience kept me going during the long days even on little sleep. I was always eager to see what adventure was next, what another day in China would hold for us. Sharing unique experiences, forming lasting friendships with our Chinese hosts, learning something new, provoking more questions, seaking answers, and making new SPH friends.

I have the privilege to continue to explore the amazing Chinese culture and learn about China’s public health system in more depth this summer. In May, I will return to Tianjin to intern for the Tianjin CDC for the summer. Along with two other students from SPH, I will spend three months in Tianjin learning, observing, and practicing public health work. This spring break trip was a sneak preview of what the summer holds for me. I am very excited to go back. As I said, I miss it already. It was an amazing experience. Now all I have to do is get through the rest of the semester...