A Year in Shanghai // 一年住在上海

September 4th marked my one year anniversary since I arrived in Shanghai. So many feels about this day!

First of all, it has been an amazing year full of adventure and self-growth. Before I left to Shanghai, I had a going away party with all my close family and friends. It was a bittersweet time. I remember stepping on that plane full of anticipation and excitement, but also full of fears and worry. Was I making the right decision? I knew Shanghai was a great city, but would it be a good fit for ME? Would the people be nice and would I make good friends? Would this adventure give me some direction as to what I REALLY wanted to do with my life?!???

And right now, I can say with 100% confidence that coming to Shanghai was the best decision I could have ever made after graduating college. In a way, I consider it a kind of post-college gap year. In my opinion, gap years are meant to allow young adults the opportunity to explore and learn about a way of life that is unfamiliar to them. This may include traveling, starting a local business or pursing a talent or hobby, etc. This gives young people the chance to learn things (both good and bad) about life and living that cannot be taught in the classroom. Sure, learning how to do your taxes and reading stocks is important (I guess) but you will always have the chance to learn these things! If there is an opportunity to pursue and learn about an aspect of life that captivates you, you just cannot pass that up!

I realize that I am SO incredibly lucky to have been able to pursue my curiosity of China and passion to travel. Without the support of my parents and my Holland Fellows family, none of this would have even been possible. It is just easiest to say that I felt Shanghai calling me and I decided to follow. And of course, it hasn’t been all stars and rainbows… Moving to a foreign country by yourself, where the native language is not English, and trying to set up a life is not exactly a walk in the park. But the challenges and inconveniences are what make the sweet moments that much sweeter.

It is amazing to say that everything I came here to do, I have been able to accomplish. My Mandarin has improved so much and I can even navigate Chinese websites and phone apps with ease now (TaoBao is literally the best)! I have gained perspective and found a direction in life that I am very happy with and already looking forward to what the future will bring. I have learned so many interesting facts about China, Asia and the world in general. People are so kind, interesting and welcoming! I have been fortunate to travel to new countries and new places within China, and it was also great to show this part of the world that is so special to me to my parents. And best of all, I have made forever-lasting friendships with some of the most amazing people from all over the world (and even gained a little sister). One friend in particular comes to mind, because it still think it was fate that we met on our first day in Shanghai, exactly one hear ago. Ever since I met her, life abroad has been a crazy, wonderful adventure.

Here are some lessons that I have learned along the way… (and most learned the hard way)
– Milk is a scary thing in China.
– Don’t buy a nice bike. It WILL be stolen.
– Free alcohol is not always the best decision.
– Photocopy absolutely every important document you have.
– Keep your fapiaos!
– Don’t go to the Bund on New Years. Ever. EVER.
– That being said, just avoid crowds at all costs.
– Always bring your student ID, even if it’s expired. Discounts are the best!
– Haggle like you’re life depends on it.
– Sometimes, it’s better to not be American.
– Sometimes, it’s better to not understand Mandarin.
– Chinese size smalls are like America’s XXXS
– Never take proper A/C for granted.
– Never take a clothes dryer for granted.
– Never take an oven for granted.
– Bugs in China are big.
– Chinese are so hospitable and nice!
– Also, some like to spit and walk around without shirts on.
– Walking in public with an open beer is very liberating.
– Traveling 2 miles within the city can take an hour.
– Never travel during a Chinese public holiday.
– Respect your elders.
– Duty free exists! Take advantage of it.
– Smog is a real thing and it sucks.
– Eating street food is okay to do every once in a while.
– Thank god for Family Mart.

Cheers to many more adventures to come!