I started taking elementary Chinese language as a fourth year student. I had already fulfilled my language requirement with Spanish. I am very glad that I decided to pursue my interest in Asian languages, particularly Mandarin Chinese. I believe that although I will be graduating in May, I will be able to continue studying and practicing Mandarin. These two semesters have provided me with a solid foundation on which I can continue to develop at my own pace and for my own enjoyment. I am also glad that I enrolled in this beginning year of Chinese because I really had fun with my classmates and our teacher was one of the best I've ever had. Tseng Laoshi is sensitive to her students' individual needs and abilities. She has plenty of patience without being a push over and makes class enjoyable which fosters a positive experience that motivates continued learning. Learning Mandarin can be intimidating if it is not taught without these considerations. Fortunately, our teacher makes this learning process into a fun and unique experience. I am looking forward to traveling in China. As for most European Americans and Americans in general, China has always been a very different and mysterious place to me, but just one year of studying Mandarin has made it more familiar and accessible. Besides providing beginning language skills, the first year of Chinese 101 and 102 has provided me with connections and knowledge for traveling in China. If I were not graduating I would definitely participate in the Shanghai program, which is a great way to complete the second year. Nevertheless, I will be able to travel on my own or within other programs, which I would not have been able to do as successfully prior to taking this first year of Chinese language at UVa.