I meant to blog these past couple of weeks, but I literally haven’t had time for anything other than school, sleep and meals! I am shocked–and, honestly, fearful–of the fact that March is almost over. I feel like I am floating. I wish time and space would stop moving so that I could find a way to get my feet back on the ground. Sadly, things don’t work that way. Life moves so fast that it’s easy to forget who I am–going to class after class, meeting new people and saying goodbye to those who will soon start a new chapter of their own lives. I have to remember not to be left behind. 

Lately, I have been writing my current literary project, researching internships and looking for other opportunities for the summer and next semester. Should I stay in Chapel Hill for summer school, or spend time in Boston? Would I benefit from another trip to China, and if so, how can I make it valuable and different from all my other previous trips? Ahh, there are so many factors to consider!

I am also choosing my classes for the next two years and planning out how I want to live the rest of my college career. I tend to be rather detail-oriented, so it’s been a challenge to think of the big picture. What decisions should I make right now in order for me to be prepared for the future?

For instance, tomorrow my school is hosting Holi Moli, a wonderful Indian festival that celebrates the beauty of color and the coming of spring. Last year, I watched the whole thing and all I could think was, I want to be there in the crowd, painting. In the end, I chose not to buy a ticket for this year.

I decided that, for me, Holi Moli should be a really special event meant for junior year– which tends to be the year that epitomizes the best of college (like prom in high school junior year). If I went to Holi Moli the next three years, maybe it wouldn’t seem as special. Instead I’ll be watching, cheering and taking photographs at the event with friends and others. I can’t wait!

By the way, today in my Research Methods class our professor shared with us an excellent TED talk: 

P.S. I went to the second annual Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit to learn more about the political and economic relationship between China and the US. I met so many intelligent, passionate students and learned so much about my culture! Did you know interpersonal relationships are one of the most valued things to Chinese people?