What I learned from My China Trip

Students at Shaolin Temple School warm up Kung Fu show

Allison Reid
Susan Wagner High School
Staten Island, New York City

Being introduced to a new culture is unquestionably an eye opening experience. Travelling to China has touched my life in a myriad of ways, and has left me with countless memories. Yet, though it is difficult to pick a favorite, I would have to say my most memorable experience was visiting the city of DengFeng, where Shaolin Temple is.

It seemed as though all of my thoughts had come a full circle, and all loose ends were tied, while visiting DengFeng. During our brief stay, I learned to truly appreciate the Chinese culture that I was experiencing. This, as opposed to looking at things through the eyes of a tourist, I developed a great desire to learn more about the amazing people surrounding me.

It was absolutely incredible to see the discipline and dedication demonstrated by the students studying in the local martial art school. The school, like the majority of the town, is centered on kungfu. Students practiced in the heat, only finding momentary relief drinking dirty water carried up to them in buckets. Yet though this looked almost unbearable to us, it was nothing out of the ordinary for these children, our peers.

The dormitories in which the students lived did not expose them to better conditions. A few bunk beds were thrown into a room, a room that stood in quite poor conditions. It was hard to imagine what it may be like to live here. And at this point, all one could do was think back, once again, to the fact that this was the lifestyle of our peers. After witnessing an average day in the life of these children, it was hard not to admire them.

Upon my arrival to New York, I was still trying to process all of the different things I had experienced in China. My first morning back home, I was literally overcomed with joy in the simple act of taking a shower with good water pressure and being able to walk downstairs and have a big glass of orange juice. Simple things like this, in the past, would have gone by unnoticed. However, this is now impossible, and I couldn't be happier. Going to China has not only increased my knowledge and appreciation of the Chinese culture, but it has also opened my eyes to everything I have to appreciate right here at home.

Students at Shaolin Temple School stretch

Kung Fu show