Lots of Coffee

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Hello there,

Thus far the only thing that is packed is my head. My suitcases are empty even though I have less than 3 days till I leave on this amazing trip that will without a doubt change me. I am boarding a plane in Fort Lauderdale with a final destination of Beijing, China. I have been dreaming of this trip ever since I began studying in FIU and finally, it has come true.  The only thing I have to say to that is,,,, DONโ€™T GIVE UP EVER! I didnโ€™t, even when all I had left was but a mere hope that one day I would be able to experience life overseas.  Today was a productive day; I purchased my ticket to Bangkok, Thailand for Golden Week. Golden Week is the week we have off in China which falls on the first week of October and coincidentally my 24th birthday isnโ€™t that fabulous? I figured you should know a bit more about me since you are taking the time to read this; I am a big coffee drinker. I donโ€™t like the flavored coffees, I like straight up good olโ€™ soulful coffee. It makes me happy. I also enjoy gardening and watching them grow. I have been swimming forever. Since I was 8 years old and both my brother and sister would play water polo as I swam in the lane next to them.  I highly recommend swimming for fitness as well as meditation; itโ€™s perfect for when you want to think things over. I will be updating you with more useful information regarding China. Places to visit, foods to try, I guess you can relate to me as your caffeinated tourist guide. Ok, must go do some packing. Thanks for reading my journalโ€ฆ more to come.  

Miranda Parvis

Ni Hao, My name is Miranda Parvis and I am a junior at Florida International University, Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. I am a student as well as employee in The Honors College at FIU. This fall semester of 2011 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime, to be able to study abroad in the Tianjin University of Commerce (TUC) an FIU cooperative school in Tianjin, China. Having overcome numerous obstacles throughout my life makes this study abroad experience even more fulfilling. Some years back my family was separated indefinitely, I was working full time in order to finance my education and going to school full time. I moved to the US when I was 5 years old from Argentina along with my family and since then have been living in Miami. I have an older brother and sister with whom Iโ€™m very close. Being an immigrant is difficult but I believe that it gives you certain training that no other experience can give you. You learn to adapt. For this reason traveling and studying abroad is extremely important for not only my career but my personal growth. During my time in China I plan to visit places like Beijing, Xian (the largest city in the northwest), and the Great Wall of China amongst many other places. I also intend to soak in as many Asian traditions and culture differences as possible. As a major country in the forefront of hospitality; I believe China will be an important stepping stone for me. The Asian culture and language is a huge part of not only the world, but the tourism industry as a whole. Learning about the differences that exist between modern day China and old traditional ways are essential in truly learning what traveler's expectations and needs are. I honestly couldnโ€™t be happier to be the student chosen for the scholarship.