I learned a lot about the definition of sustainability and the impact we humans have on our earthly home. I’ve learned that when we consider the world as a global market, it only makes sense to take environmental sustainability into consideration. One of the paramount purposes of this trip was to open our eyes to sustainable business practices (with special focus on China). During these two weeks, we learned about biomimicry, low-tech sustainable building solutions, waste treatment challenges and opportunities, low carbon transport and how Green Marketing can be a profitable reality. Through all of these lectures, a common idea was strung. In order to be responsible global citizens, we have a duty to fix the problem on our own soil as well as address it in China where this pollution problem is wide reaching. Our job as business people is to define business models that help sustain our environment, our economy, and ourselves as a human race.
I returned from this trip a changed person. Before studying abroad, I was quiet, indecisive, and dependent on others when making decisions. I never thought I could travel to the other side of the world on my own. After the trip, I have become more independent. I am more than capable of making my own decisions and handling the consequences. I have more faith in my academic skills and I developed an ability to work well under pressure. We had a chance to interact with successful businesspeople and were forced to hold our own in business proposals of our green ideas. I learned how to conduct myself professionally and maintain composure in stressful situations. I now know I can function in an environment that is very different from my own. I am proud to say I am now much wiser, more professional, and definitely more confident than before. Even now, when I’m faced with challenging circumstances, I catch myself thinking: “I went to China! This is nothing!”