In a recent interview, Xiaoxiao Zhang, team member for the most recent spring trip to Florida, carried a quiet intensity. Not one to simply nod or quickly agree, she often paused before giving her responses, choosing her words carefully, thoughtfully. It was clear that she wanted her passion to be understood correctly, not just “well enough.”
For Xiaoxiao, the expedition to Florida included an abundance of completely new experiences. The tropical environment was alien compared to the land near her home in China. Making a fire, setting up a tent, waking to gull calls–were all new. But in many ways, it was the people who had traveled with Xiaoxiao from Virginia who gave her the most affecting new experiences.
Xiaoxiao came to America almost two years ago through the US-China 1+2+1 Dual Degree Program. She studies a lot, is the acting treasurer for GMU’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association, and works as an intern in Mason’s 1+2+1 offices. In her spare week this semester, though, Xiaoxiao did not opt to simply relax, nor would she be satisfied to “just travel around with friends.” Xiaoxiao sought something more meaningful. “When I first arrived in the U.S., I started doing a lot of volunteer and service work right away. For me, helping people or places in need is deeply rewarding. It makes me smile inside and out.” Hoping to find an opportunity to combine travel with service, Xiaoxiao recalled a story from one of her friends (a former AB team member), and Googled her way to the CLCE website.
Seeing the list of trips and their focuses, she saw that while many looked tempting, none of the upcoming trips were precisely relevant to her pursuit of a degree in economics. But with a focus on environmental work and the bonus of showing a totally different face of America, Xiaoxiao felt called to Florida.
Arriving at the destination in Stuart, Xiaoxiao found the service work was, as expected, informative and rewarding. She learned about the particular development issues for towns like Stuart, and encountered a new kind of resident. “All the local people seemed to really care about the land. Lots of people came out to talk to us about it, and to say thank-you. That was a new experience. I think for the most part, people are less concerned about the environment back home.”
But some of the most meaningful aspects of the trip for Xiaoxiao were the moments of connection with her team. For many international students, the integration process is often not fully realized. They may feel alone or out of place, so they seek comfort with friends from their culture. Ironically, this “bubble effect” is more isolating. Xiaoxiao, though active in the on-campus Chinese community, has a strong ambition to learn about and take part in American culture. Perhaps she is a little more determined, bolder, quietly stubborn–for whatever reason, Xiaoxiao decided to take a risk and immerse herself in a 24/7 American living-learning community. And the investment paid off.
The trip proved to be a remarkable bonding opportunity. “During conversations when I didn’t really understand a phrase or see their point, the group was always accepting and patient, explaining things and including me.” Describing one of her favorite moments from the trip, Xiaoxiao explained that the team gave themselves one afternoon to simply play, and decided to go sea-kayaking. Of the team of 14, only two others had never kayaked. Xiaoxiao, using this as a commonality, jumped into the boat with one of them for the long trek to a small island. “It was tough, but that process of being new, working together and trying to figure it all out…it brought us together. I call her my ‘kayak buddy’.”
Xiaoxiao also cast a unique light on the interpersonal patterns of her American team members. “It was interesting to be immersed in a totally American group and to watch how they interacted. They were careful with each other, and they really put a lot of thought into what and how each other were feeling. I think that because many of us in China grow up as an only child, it’s different. We don’t learn those things immediately or pay quite as much attention.”
When asked whether the trip was worth the bugs, the sweat, and the social effort, Xiaoxiao responded, “Absolutely. I keep telling people, going on AB in Florida was the best decision of my life.”
When asked if the AB experience is for everyone, Xiaoxiao took a moment to pause. “Being an international student, especially from a culture so different, it can obviously be intimidating to let go and just dive in. For me, I am always wanting to see more, to learn more, try new things even if I feel a little nervous. When I’m overwhelmed, I push forward. I keep going. Maybe I’m a little different in that way. If you can keep that attitude though, AB is an amazing opportunity.”
May 01, 2013
