Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics
Other Major: Geography
Minor: Chinese, Women's Studies
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my study abroad experience was having the chance to immerse myself in Chinese culture and learn so much language. I am half Chinese and had traveled to China a number of times before, but always with my family. Having the opportunity to experience this diverse country on my own terms for the first time, and learning so much in the process, was incredibly rewarding.

[This experience] provided me with valuable international experience and foreign language skills and cultivated a career interest I didn’t know I had.

How did this experience impact you academically?

My study abroad program in Shanghai allowed me to finish my Chinese minor after four semesters of Chinese at Penn State – and gave me the chance to learn so much more Chinese than I would have in a classroom in State College!

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Before I participated in my study abroad program, I didn't think I would want to work in China. However, the experience opened up my eyes to all of the opportunities for work in government fields involving US-China relations. It provided me with valuable international experience and foreign language skills and cultivated a career interest I didn’t know I had.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows language requirements encouraged me to pursue my study of Chinese, which I would likely not have done otherwise. Looking back on how fulfilling my study abroad experience was, I’m so glad I had that little extra push to study Chinese!