Hi, my name is Justin Lau and I’m a student at Western Academy of Beijing. I have just attended the Boston University Summer Challenge program and I will discussing my experiences, what I learned, my personal growth, and what I felt about the camp.
“I didn’t want to go” and “Maybe it will be fun to try something new.” These two phrases caused a tumultuous blend of anxiety and excitement coursing through my veins as if the very essence of these emotions had become intertwined with my very being. As I felt the sweltering summer sun of Boston casting its radiant beams upon the horizon, I embarked on my journey in a new country and environment.
As I stepped onto the campus, a wave of trepidation and anxiety overshadowed my slight excitement for the camp. The thoughts of venturing into the unknown amidst the surrounding of unfamiliar faces and the boundless campus entwined my soul and heart with threads of fear. However, little did I know that just a few days later these unfamiliar faces would soon be the people I would socialize and learn from. This boundless campus would soon also be mapped inside my head. This camp would be the catalyst for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the precious connections between one another.
The initial days of the camp were tough for me, as I had to find my classes on this maze-like campus, and I didn’t know any of the people in my classes. However, as the days unfolded, I started to know where everything was on the campus; I also started to know more people in my classes and socialize with them. So, with all the main challenges conquered, my confidence grew, and my initial anxiety and nervousness about this camp gradually gave way to excitement and hope for the next day.
I had the opportunity to take two classes at the camp: nutrition and philosophy. Initially, I wasn’t particularly thrilled about the nutrition class as it wasn’t my first choice (in fact, it was my third choice). However, my doubts quickly faded as I dived into the lessons and discovered the wealth of knowledge it had to offer. I was hugely surprised by how much I learned about nutrition. In this class, I gained valuable insights into the importance of protein and carbohydrates in our diet. I delved into the intricate functions and structures of proteins, understanding how they contribute to building muscles in the human body, and so much more. It was an eye-opening experience that exceeded what I expected from a nutrition class.
I also signed up for the philosophy class offered by Boston University. Thanks to its exceptional content and delivery, this course deepened my interest in philosophy. We covered various branches of philosophy throughout the class, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. Among these, I found myself particularly interested in metaphysics and ethics. Our study involved thorough readings of thought-provoking articles and books, such as “Metaphysics of Metamorphosis” by John Dupré, “Escape the Echo Chamber” by C. Thi Nguyen, Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker, “Who Counts as a Woman?” by Carol Hay, “The Right Right Thing To Do” by Irene McMullin, Doing Good Better by William MacAskill, “Authenticity is a Sham” by Alexander Stern, and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell. Of all the material I encountered in philosophy class, I found Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell to be particularly interesting. Fricker’s work delves into various case studies, drawing upon examples from everyday life, literature, and legal contexts to vividly illustrate the pervasive impact of epistemic injustices. She thoughtfully explores these injustices’ ethical and epistemic implications, while offering strategies to address and mitigate them. On the other hand, Russell’s “The Value of Philosophy” resonated deeply with me, as our philosophical perspectives aligned remarkably. The book profoundly explores the discipline, highlighting its practical and intrinsic worth. It also talks about the development of critical thinking skills, fosters intellectual growth, and encourages a reflective and compassionate approach to life.
One aspect of this camp that brought me immense joy and interest was the opportunity to immerse myself in college life and explore the vibrant city of Boston. Each day, Boston University organized off-campus activities for us, allowing us to discover various places in the city. We embarked on memorable trips to Wrentham outlets, Hampton Beach, and the art museum, among others. However, the activities that stood out to me the most were our visits to North End and Faneuil Hall. In North End, we had the pleasure of indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, savoring mouthwatering delicacies from local bakeries, and relishing the vibrant atmosphere of Boston Street food. On the other hand, our trip to Faneuil Hall was also a delightful experience of exploring charming, hidden shops tucked away within its bustling corridors and treating ourselves to a wide array of delectable goods.
A big aspect of this camp that I truly treasured was the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through everyday conversations with them, I discovered intriguing disparities in our ways of thinking and our value systems. Exploring their perspectives on global issues proved to be particularly interesting. While there were instances where we shared similar viewpoints, often our opinions diverged or differed significantly. But I believe exposure to contrasting perspectives on different topics is crucial for personal growth. By actively listening to and engaging with diverse perspectives, we challenge our own preconceived notions and broaden our understanding of the world. This ability to consider multiple sides of an issue is invaluable, especially in a world where information and news often come through the filter of social media or biased news outlets.
My experience at the Boston University summer challenge program was a transformative journey filled with personal growth, cultural exchange, and valuable connections. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to go to this camp, and I am confident that the experiences and lessons I learned will continue to shape my personal and intellectual journey in the future. Despite my initial anxiety and fear, I quickly adapted to the camp and formed meaningful connections and memorable moments with people that will most likely last forever.
Images: Justin Lau, Pexels
