It feels like forever ago that I was in Jishou when in reality it has only been 17 days since I stepped off my plane into America. Yet when I was there the time flew by. I remember sitting in the closing ceremony thinking it feels like yesterday was the opening ceremony.
The most impactful part of this experience was meeting and interacting with the students. Something I have been constantly reminded of through WeChat. I love that I am still talking with students even though the program has ended. I feel so honoured that they still message me with questions about English, American culture, or just to send me a picture of something they thought I would like. I also got to meet a group of amazing Princeton students. I gained so much more perspective about Princeton through these students. I loved getting to go through this experience with them and also know that they were going to be back on campus in the fall like me.
While I do not want to be a teacher in my future, I would not change my summer experience for anything. I feel like my summer spent in Jishou has helped shape me into a stronger version of myself. I was constantly challenged yet enjoyed getting to overcome each obstacle either by myself or my co-teachers. There were many times where I was super uncomfortable, but looking back at these moments I am proud of myself for pushing through.
I am incredibly grateful to Cindy, Tony, Alex, and all of the PiA staff for making this trip possible. I will hold this summer, and the Normal Teacher College of Jishou close to my heart for a long, long time.

