ISEP student Yusemi M. is a part of ISEP Voices Spring 2016. She is a first generation college student from University of North Georgia, and is currently studying abroad at Sichuan University in China.
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in an environmentally friendly activity with some of the other international students. The activity consisted of using indigo to tie-dye some handkerchiefs. The event was organized by GreenSOS. This organization focuses on raising awareness and helping educate people on the importance of being environmentally friendly.
This opportunity was really eye-opening because tie-dye is something I always do back at home; it just never occurred to me that such a simple activity could have an impact on a community. The project coordinator explained to us how this is a way to let people have fun while learning how easily they can find ways to reuse old things. I also learned how dying clothes with indigo is a Chinese tradition that dates back all the way to the Han dynasty.
Being able to experience things like this makes me so thankful that I am studying abroad. I have the opportunity to learn about a new culture while having fun with people from all over the world. While we were prepping our handkerchiefs, I was able to learn a bit more about Chinese culture and their stand on the environment. The project coordinator explained to me how back in the ‘70s, the environment was not as important because everyone was focused on industrialization. She explained how the new generations are the ones that are becoming more conscious about China’s situation with the environment. To me, it was great being able to see with my own eyes how Chinese communities are finding creative ways to become more environmentally friendly. This is definitely one of those things one can only experience while being abroad.
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