China Experience

Recently after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, I was a Teaching Assistant at a University for two years in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. I didn't know what to expect, as this was my first experience abroad and upon reading materials and having cultural stereotypes, my experience was life changing. Being away from family and friends, a new time difference of 13 hours, different foods, culture, religion, and government drove my anxiety to the max but gave me the adrenalin to proceed.

The faculty that I worked with at United International College were phenomenal. They were open, accepting, curious, and very engaging. The students that I taught asked A LOT of questions, and were also careful due to the communism they were subjected to with social media and the internet being blocked from a lot of sites.

I encountered other staff and students from Liberia, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco, New Zealand, and Australia. It was great connecting with other individuals from other countries, having weekly potlucks, partying at bar street, and spending the holidays together as well.

While in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, which is the southern part of the country, it borders Hong Kong (British colonization) and Macau (Portugal colonization). Macau is known for it's casino's and shopping centers, so attending live concerts at the Hard Rock Cafe was a thrill. In Hong Kong, taking the subway to parties and Western foods was a blast.

I gained much experience having taught at United International College, in the friends and network that I made, and foods that I enjoyed.

Upon returning to America after two years, I didn't realize the effect China had on me and how my personality had changed from being an introvert to becoming more mature and culturally aware. I learned Mandarin and Arabic while living in Zhuhai, and in returning my friend circle was smaller and I was mentally and emotionally drained. I gained weight after returning to America, due to the fact hat I missed all the American foods, and because the weather was different I developed acne and hyperpigmentation from the sun. I went to the doctor for an annual checkup and discovered that I was depressed and developed social anxiety while abroad, and needed medication and a support group. With mental health being a taboo within my community, this was difficult and I fought the process at first. After experiencing my health decline, I received services and medication, and the experience was a catalyst for me to begin advocating for mental health amongst marginalized populations.