Students Reflect on Time in China

Will Bomgaars, CA ‘18
Walking back to the program house after a day of exploring the city, I became nervous thinking about the idea of living with a family that I have never met and much more importantly the communication divide. I would have never expected to create such a close and lasting relationship with a group of people from half way around the world in just one week. We were each given minimal information prior to meeting our family. All I knew was that the father’s name was Shao Xiang, the mothers name was Fang, and the 6-year-old son was named Zi Heng. I was also told that Shao Xiang worked at the Bank Of China, and Fang was a manager to a large company. The last info I was given was that during the weekends, they take one day to visit friends and for Zi Heng to study, and the last day to play piano and do sports. They often like to play basketball, football, ping-pang, badminton and go swimming. As I waited in anticipation to meet my new family, I watched as Fang and Zi Heng walked through the door expressing the same suspense that I carried.

“After a week packed with great food, exciting conversations, and intense sports, I realized that I had created a bond that would not soon be forgotten.”

After a week packed with great food, exciting conversations, and intense sports, I realized that I had created a bond that would not soon be forgotten. Nearly two months later I still communicate daily with my host family, and just received a message the other day asking if I would want to return and stay with them again. They are currently making plans to come visit Colorado and experience our way of life the way I did theirs. Without the support of the chaperones and teachers on the trip I would not have been able to fully embrace the opportunities that have lead to this enduring connection.