Kimberly Maitland ’24: Ingenuity In Action reflection

Ingenuity in Action experience: Off-campus study

Where: Shanghai and Beijing, as well as western, rural, and impoverished parts of China

What: Traveling Economists, ECB 334

Majors: English–creative writing; individualized–human resources and diversity management

During my macroeconomics class, hearing about China’s growth miracle intrigued me and finally clarified why so many items I owned were made in China. Furthermore, it helped me understand that viewing a country through an economic lens can help you gain more profound insights and allow you to truly see the country for what it is—and perhaps what it could be, rather than past political rivalries and globally understood stereotypes about it. Understanding their experience and how it may be similar or different to mine had a profound impact on me and has made this experience memorable.

I sought opportunities to have meaningful dialogue

about China with many people. However, a conversation that stood out to me was with a 70-year-old mechanic who expressed how expensive it is to live in Shanghai. Throughout the conversation, I was surprised that he did not mention anything bad about the government or the rich. There were no specific complaints about the perpetrator of these increasing expenses. It seemed like he was just sharing and reflecting on how the city has changed significantly since he was younger. He spoke in a very lighthearted tone and had a humorous air to him. I also spoke a lot to our program coordinator, Yan. She told me that although the economic boom has helped millions of people in China, there are a few people whose struggles seem to be overlooked. The main example she mentioned to me is the elderly. The increase in digital payments through mobile phones has caused an increased level of complexity for them.

Read six more student reflections on their Ingenuity in Action experience.