Convo 6

I had my last meeting with Vera today. We met in the bluu yet again. I have learned so much from Vera this semester (and used some of my bluu swipes along the way). I have learned the basics of personal facts about her and her family. I have learned about China and it's environment and economy.

The biggest thing I have take away, however, wasn't taught by Vera. I learned to broaden my horizons when it comes to relationships at TCU. Before this I probably never would have approached Vera and talked to her. This experience has opened my eyes to the people around me. I will look in the future to diversify my friend group. I believe this is such an important core belief to have.

I am a scientist and like looking at scientific data. One study I saw this semester looked at the diversity of people that wrote scientific paper and then compared them to the times they were cited (a common way to see how successful a paper was). They found that the more diverse the background of scientists writing the paper was, the more acclamation that paper obtained. So this skill of wanting/being comfortable with people different than yourself isn't just the right thing, it can also lead to more success in your career.

I will miss these conversations with Vera. She has become a good friend and I plan on staying in contact with her next semester as she starts on her path to be a graphic designer. I am sure she will be very successful.

convo 5

Vera and have grown more comfortable with each other. Like I talked about in my final presentation it is amazing how much more this class had to offer than what my assumptions when signing up were. I have not learned a ton in the traditional sense but the experiences I have had and the people I have had the opportunity to meet have impacting me in a lifelong way.
I would have never guessed that I would have meant a student from China this semester and form a relationship with her. I am sure I’m just another boring American to her but I love picking her mind about China. These talks with her have motivated me to go to china and really travel the world before I die. I believe this would be incredible.
The talks this semester have ranged from the basic tell me about where you grew up and what you like to eat to deeper discussions about religion and cultural expectations in each country. I have said this many times that before this class I really thought that there was one way that most “modern” countries lived. I thought this way was the United States of Americans approach, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
It seems surreal as Vera and I have set our last meeting for Sunday……. I can’t believe how fast it has gone. It seems like just yesterday that I was asking her how to write my name in Mandarin.  I feel like this has been one of the most rewarding things that I have done at TCU.