Darrilyn Macklin, a first-year student majoring in Chinese, is back from her first study abroad trip to China. She joined 12 other students and East Asian Languages Professor Mark Bender on a month-long “Global Gateway” program. They explored the rural and urban cultures in southwest China based at the Southwest University for Nationalities in Chengdu.

Macklin routinely checked in with Arts and Sciences on her adventures abroad.

“It’s amazing how experiencing another culture can drive home the point that on some level we are all the same. Every day we go to class and have a discussion about the ethnic minorities of China. Every day, I see a little more and more of my own culture in theirs,” Macklin wrote by email.

While abroad her knowledge, fluency, and comfort of the Chinese language greatly increased. When visiting the Tibetan Museum she required little to no translation. She was able to completely submerge herself in the rich history, in the native language.

A big difference in China is that many there are not accustomed to seeing people who have varied physical differences, such as Darrilyn’s black skin. “You could imagine that I generally get stared at a lot. However, I was prepared for it by my teachers and other friends and take it with a casual stride. Many people at Jinli street asked if they could take pictures with me. One child even wanted to reach out and touch my skin.”

Macklin’s journey to China has not come with its share of obstacles. Darrilyn received the brutal force of the smog cap when she awoke one morning to find herself having difficulty breathing. Yet, as soon as Macklin realized she was sick her fellow students and guide brought foods, dance, laughter, and well wishes to her room.

Her journey in China has included beautiful sight-seeing, including the world famous Leshan Buddha, which stands at 233 feet tall.

City to city Macklin was driven head first into the lifestyle of the natives, including their heartache, which she witnessed in BeiChun City.

“Out of all the places I have visited in China so far, know that the BeiChun City will be one I will remember for a life time. Beichun was a city in the mountains of China that was home to about 200,000 people when it was hit by a massive earthquake on May 12, 2008 at 2:48 pm. Buildings not built to withstand such force toppled and fell trapping and killing about 120,000 people. We visited the city in its ruined state because the Chinese government, after rescuing those it could, left the city as it was after the quake. Driving down you can see buildings leaning over, bent street signs, broken windows, crushed cars, and rubble everywhere. Walking through it is worse because you see the many buildings that the signs say “Please Be Quiet, Our Family is Sleeping Here.” So much death in this place it makes the heart so heavy it’s nearly unbearable. I cried. I couldn’t help it.”

Darrilyn also got to see the country’s recovery in New City, built two years after the earthquake for the survivors. “The people are happy, prospering, and despite the pain of the past are enjoying a better life.”

Darrilyn Macklin’s journey and Global Gateway experience may have come to an end but her experiences and memories will last a lifetime.

“I can honestly say I am going to miss China so much, but I leave with less of a weight in my heart because I know I will be back soon. However, for now, I’m happy to go back home and see family and friends and share all my China adventures to three eager nieces---- for now this is Darrilyn Macklin aka, 馬淑芳 signing off and out of the OSU Gateway to China program.”