Brooke Eason
It is certainly no secret that I have a true passion for the language and culture of China. Having been drawn to the country since the beginning of my studies, which began in high school, my interests continue to deepen. I am now approaching the completion of my Arts degree, with an extended major in Chinese Mandarin at UQ. Through dilegent study and the continuous support of my teachers, the endless boundaries of my Chinese adventures continue to be challenged.
It is only recently, that I have found myself able to look back upon the many amazing experiences that my Chinese learning has brought into my life. Most recently, this year I was lucky enough to take part in the 10th annual "Chinese Bridge" Chinese languge competition, in HuNan province, China. This experience, of being placed in a television studio and performing on a live stage was both exciting and challenging. After observing the competition in its 9th season as a live audience member in 2010, taking part as a contestant this year was an experience that I had worked for and looked forward to over the course of the entire year.
Through the experience of the competition I have met many new like minded friends and collegues from countries all over the world. I am sure that many of these newly formed friendships will allow us to remain friends for life, united through our common interests and passion for the Chinese language. There is also no doubt in my mind that many of us will meet again in the near future, with many of our paths already having crossed since the end of the competition.
My life is now in my own hands, more so than it ever has been. The scholarship that I have been awarded by the Confucius Institute Headquarters has already commenced and I am looking forward to where this adventure will take me. For the future I hold plans of pursuing post-graduate study, also in the field of Chinese language and culture. With the plethora of future employment opportunities, I feel that my constant dilegent study efforts are being rewarded with the world of opportunities that lies ahead. I would like to express my gratitude to the University, the Confuius institute and my Chinese language teachers for their constant encouragement and support.
