Foreward

Presently, China is full of ‘hot button’ issues. National and local papers have been targeting spots of panic and moral criticism. Will China be the next military superpower? When will China’s economy take over the US? Is Google right to not uphold China’s internet censorship policies? Is China at fault for the death of self-immolated Tibetans? However, questions like these leave other important ones behind. How is China recuperating from the 2008 earthquake? What is China doing to improve its poverty rate? How are new government policies affecting Chinese minorities rights to education?  The context of my volunteer work in China through Teach for China 美丽中国 (under the Teach for All programs) provides a nice outlet to help begin answering these questions–the ones that lie low (if at all) and out of sight from readers of USA Today, BBC News, and even the New York Times.

I am not a reporter, journalist, author, or seasoned blogger. Recently graduated in 2012 from St. Olaf College with a double degree in Asian Studies (Chinese Language concentration) and Philosophy, I offer my recorded personal experiences to help others make sense of perplexing political, social, and cultural issues. I am always looking to improve my work and writing, and thus welcome any suggestions or thoughts you might have via comments on this foreward.

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This blog is dedicated to all those who have supported my trip through continuing encouragement and financial aid. Without your help, my education, previous trips, and current work would not be possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

<Last edited 2013.5.1 by Fran Deram>