I also have very limited financial resources and would not be able to study abroad without financial assistance. As you can see from my first semester doctoral GPA of 4.08 and my master's GPA of 4.0, I have high levels of motivation and commitment to my field; I will take full advantage of the opportunity to participate in the China study abroad program and I sincerely believe that I will return not only as a stronger scholar, but also as a better person. I hope to use what I have learned to make changes at the local level. I would also look forward to being a mentor to students who could benefit from similar study abroad experiences. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” and I know that this experience will definitely help me on my journey to becoming that “change” and help me become a better mother. working student, budding sociologist/academic and international