My unforgettable time at Colorado State University as a visiting scholar
By Xiangqiang Li |
On the evening of August 20, 2023, after a long journey of more than 20 hours, I crossed the Pacific Ocean to the United States on the other side of the ocean, to the beautiful Fort Collins, to the warm Colorado State University, to start my colorful and unforgettable year.
At first, everything here felt unfamiliar, and filled with curiosity. However, thanks to the support of friends, classmates, and teachers, I quickly integrated into this place. I fondly remember Haimeng preparing my first meal, Yanan introducing me to the charming town of Fort Collins, and Qianhong showing me around the beautiful campus. My roommate, Jienan, and friend, Chen Long, even invited me to play badminton, which helped me quickly adapt to the academic and social life here. I am especially grateful to my advisor, Professor David, who was incredibly approachable, diligent, and supportive. He introduced me to many friends, shared local stories, and always provided encouragement, guidance, and trust, creating a favorable environment for my research. I wrote a chapter on Chinese heritage tourism, which David helped revise for inclusion in a forthcoming book that he is co-editing, published by Springer Nature (the world’s leading publisher of scientific research). David, who has a deep love for Chinese culture and cuisine, often praises my cooking skills.
Colorado State University is an ideal place, with its beautiful campus, vibrant activities, and academic freedom. There is a culture of equality between teachers and students, who are encouraged to freely exchange ideas, explore, and speak up. For Chinese students, speaking up confidently is key; expressing one’s thoughts and perspectives can lead to unexpected rewards. I cherish each day here, and I also make an effort to share the beauty of China with those around me. In Professor David’s class, I introduced his students to China’s National Cultural Parks and actively engaged with local scholars, sharing the richness of Chinese culture to help them see an authentic view of China. I have met many Chinese friends and many foreign friends here. Together, we enjoyed skiing, hiking, stargazing, discussing research, and envisioning the future.
Beautiful moments are often fleeting, but I will hold this year’s experiences close to my heart. In the days to come, I will carry these memories with me and share them, hoping to contribute to the ongoing cultural exchange between China and the United States.
