I have returned… to what, you may ask? Well, to several things. Let me break it down for you.
- …to writing in my blog. What a lovely two month unexpected hiatus I had. Please accept my dearest apologies and understand that I have been quite the busy bee. From traveling to changing jobs, it’s been a pretty overwhelming past few weeks for me. Doing it was crazy; thinking about it enough to jot it down – altogether unbearable (until now, of course).
- …to the US. I made a surprise trip back at the end of September. The mommy, daddy, and baby sister had no idea I was coming until the day before I saw each of them. How did I keep it under wraps, you may ask? Avoiding my mother’s 3+ skype calls a day helped a bit. Plus, the whole non-reporting of my life in China didn’t hurt.
My trip back to the US was not just about surprising my family, of course. I needed to procure a new visa, remind my old friends that I was still alive, and check out the job situation/market for PR wannabes. Altogether, all missions were accomplished, making it a highly successful (though hectic) trip.
During my two weeks “abroad,” I visited five cities, staying in eight different places. Of course, I started in Richmond, home of the mommy, daddy, and my favorite Trader Joes. It was so amazing to have home-cooked food (using ovens) again. By home-cooked food, I mean Chik Patties and Progresso Minestrone soup. Ahh, the little things make me so happy.
The baby sister was too important to come down to Richmond, so I trekked up to my alma mater. Charlottesville is truly at its best in the fall. Between the leaves changing colors to the football games and their respective tailgates, I was reminded of how magical the place can be.
After Charlottesville, a brief return to Richmond and a stop in Maryland, I made my way into the Big Apple. At first it was a bit strange. I arrived at Penn Station, luggage in tow, feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed. That feeling ended after an hour. New York is filled with excitement and promise. Ever the melting pot, all aspects of my life seemed to mix together during my week stay there. I saw family, University friends, people from China, former colleagues, etc. Details are too wordy. New York never sleeps, and neither did jet-lagged Elyssa.
Following another brief return to Richmond, I trekked to Northern Virginia/DC to complete my whirlwind of a trip. I was so impressed by how successful the people I met up with had become: Justin the homeowner, suited-up Art, Jamie the soon-to-be Congresswoman… I envy you all the inroads you have made. I hope to join you in success shortly.
- …to China. Yes, after my great trip back to the US, I returned to China. This time, however, my time and plan here feels more focused. Before leaving for the US, I started working at the American Chamber of Congress – China. I have been given a great opportunity to mix and mingle with interesting people (including Jane Goodall!!), while continuing to gain experience in web content production, video editing, magazine writing and event organization.
My time in the US helped me confirm what I knew all along – my future is in the States, not China. Almost definitely, I see myself returning to the US early next year. However, China is playing a significant role in my life. It’s teaching me patience and independence, introducing me to spectacular people and a culture intrinsically different to what I grew up with, and helping me figure out exactly what I want to do with my life.
Before, I mentioned I hope to have the success my friends are showing. I don’t want to take away from what they have accomplished, but I do think I have been successful too. While I don’t have a career yet, I have gained so much life experience and insight in the past year. I wouldn’t change that for the world.
Nice entry.. I remember talking with you before you left and having the conversation about how much you’d wonder about what China would’ve been like if you had decided not to go. Glad it was the right choice, and real life will start soon enough. Now maybe we can plan that weekend meet up or something =)
what a treat for me when I went to my email and saw your “I have returned” writing. Keep up the good work and happy times. Love you, Grandma
To echo Grandma I too was thrilled to see a new Blog entry. Sounds like you accomplished a lot in your two plus weeks at home and that you’re focussed now that you’re back in China. Loved hearing from you when you were “Stateside” and look forward to more Blogs. Love…Aunt Shelley