This is an amazing opportunity. I love learning about new places and people. I try to put myself in their perspective, and see how they live; their customs and activities. I have always wanted to travel to new and exciting places. Going to China is going to be an adventure worth exploring.
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Growing up I have always been told that if I dig a deep enough hole in the ground I could “dig a hole to China.” I was fascinated by the thought of a faraway place, with exciting mysteries to unfold and discover. As I grew up I realized and for the first time really recognized the distance between one world and another. I am so thankful for the opportunity to fuel my imagination in the wonderful world that we live in.
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I’m looking forward to the whole experience; however I really want to see a few things in particular. 
These things are the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors. I believe that anyone who has ever seen pictures of or studied the Great Wall has thought of it as being only one thing: absolutely incredible. The same is true for the Terra Cotta Warriors. I love art, and have worked with clay. The idea that artists made all of these warriors different in physical features, however still matching in uniform and military style is dumbfounding to me. Not only this, but they were all different artists, who had different experiences, and different styles. The craftsmanship is incredible and I cannot wait to see them. On a vacation in Disneyworld one year, my sister, my grandparents and I got to see about a hundred small replicas of the warriors. They were really fascinating and had amazing detail in them. Only standing about 4 or 5 inches off the ground, I found them incredible. I can hardly imagine what the true Terra Cotta Warriors will be like.
These things are the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors. I believe that anyone who has ever seen pictures of or studied the Great Wall has thought of it as being only one thing: absolutely incredible. The same is true for the Terra Cotta Warriors. I love art, and have worked with clay. The idea that artists made all of these warriors different in physical features, however still matching in uniform and military style is dumbfounding to me. Not only this, but they were all different artists, who had different experiences, and different styles. The craftsmanship is incredible and I cannot wait to see them. On a vacation in Disneyworld one year, my sister, my grandparents and I got to see about a hundred small replicas of the warriors. They were really fascinating and had amazing detail in them. Only standing about 4 or 5 inches off the ground, I found them incredible. I can hardly imagine what the true Terra Cotta Warriors will be like. -
In the weeks before the trip I hope to learn as much as I can about all of the places we are going to. 
The experience will be greater because I will know the history of these places. I would also like to learn about the culture and traditions of the people in China. I am extremely excited for this trip, however a few concerns I have are getting lost, and having trouble communicating. Despite these challenges, the experiences I will get to have will be breathtaking. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I would like to thank everyone who is helping make this trip possible.
The experience will be greater because I will know the history of these places. I would also like to learn about the culture and traditions of the people in China. I am extremely excited for this trip, however a few concerns I have are getting lost, and having trouble communicating. Despite these challenges, the experiences I will get to have will be breathtaking. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I would like to thank everyone who is helping make this trip possible. -
Send me to China!
Great post Shelby! See if you can figure out how to add a picture. I see you focused quite a bit on the Terra Cotta Warriors...that is great, because that is what I am most looking forward to as well. I sometimes have to remind myself to calm down about the trip, because it is still so far off. A few questions for you to think about and answer in a reply:
ReplyDelete1. How do you think this trip will change your perspective on future history classes you take in high school and college?
2. How will you step outside of your comfort zone during this class and on this trip so that you can really get the most from this opportunity?
Future history classes, after taking this trip, will be more worthwhile to me. In these classes I will be able to connect to the ideas being taught. I will do this by understanding exactly where these places are, and not just sitting in class thinking it is only a faraway place; a mystery that doesn’t apply to me. I will be able to connect my thoughts and see the distances physically and culturally between where I am in the world, and where they are. When going to a mysterious place such as China, I will expand my mind into imagining the distances of other places I learn about in class as well. I believe that in going to China I will become even more fascinated about the world, and will enjoy my future social studies classes even more than I do presently.
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During the trip I understand that I will have to step out of my comfort zone. This can be very difficult sometimes and not very… well… comfortable. I’m a rather shy person, and feel more comfortable around my friends and family. Giving things such as speeches or being around a lot of people I do not know, doesn’t entirely thrill me. Clearly I am going to have to deal with the latter of these two, for there are going to be many more people in China that I do not know, than those I do. I will have to step out of my comfort zone a bit on this trip; however I believe it will be very rewarding. Not only will I enjoy the trip more, I will also have learned a lifelong lesson. This being that there will always be people one does not know, or there will always be a situation where one does not feel comfortable, and as a result of these we must step out of that zone and apply ourselves. By doing this we will be able to grow as a person and learn more about ourselves and the people around us. During and after this trip I plan to become more open to change and to the people around me.