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A Great Interest in China

After spontaneously deciding to learn Chinese, Kaci Kennedy spent two summers in China. How have these experiences and her business courses prepared her for the future?

Check-out Kaci Kennedy's travel blog!

Kaci Kennedy sitting on the Great Wall of China.
About Me

Originally from a small island off the west coast of Florida, I never would have imagined I would spend a portion of my college career in one of the largest cities in the world, Beijing. My interest in Chinese culture began when a family friend adopted a Chinese daughter, and I began to take Chinese language courses at the College mainly for personal enjoyment.

I had always envisioned myself majoring in business, yet this spontaneous choice to learn Chinese opened up new additional interests in languages and culture. My Individual Program of Study (IPS) now includes majoring in Chinese with a minor in Management & Organizational Leadership.

I spent the summer after my freshman year studying abroad with thirty fellow William & Mary students at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Although my first experience significantly improved my language skills, after I returned home I was still eager to personally experience the Chinese way of life.

As part of her internship, Kaci Kennedy lived with a host family in China.
A Second Summer Abroad

The following summer, I interned through Geovisions Conversation Corps, where I lived with a host family and assisted with their English language skills. My experience with my host family was absolutely incredible. It truly added a three dimensional aspect to my studies. I was finally able to witness first hand what I had been told in the classroom and what I read in my textbooks.

In addition to that, I was also able to practice my Chinese with my adorable 3 year old host sister! My host family taught me about China's treasure, the Great Wall, the importance of drinking liquids only after I have completed my meal, and that I must eat my egg yokes as well as my egg whites so my body remains in balance with the universe. Most of all, they helped me develop a much greater understanding of the Chinese people and culture.

Kaci Kennedy enjoyed getting a taste of China culture while abroad.Impact & Engagement

Outside of the classroom, I volunteer through the Admissions Office as a tour guide. I love giving tours to prospective students and sharing my college experiences with them. Each week, I am able to share the unique nature of William & Mary with visitors and in turn learn more about the College—you wouldn't believe some of the questions I'm asked!

Additionally, I serve as the President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, one of eleven social sororities on campus. Due to my minor, Management & Organizational Leadership, I have taken courses geared primarily towards effective leadership and understanding the most efficient way to manage others. I now feel readily prepared to take on this office, serving as a liaison between my chapter and the greek community, in addition to managing the day to day happenings within my sorority.

After taking courses in Management & Organizational Leadership, Kaci Kennedy feels prepared to take on the position of President of her sorority.
Highlights

Prof. Inga Carboni's Leadership course has definitely been the most useful and effective courses I have taken through the Mason School of Business. I was really able to create a link between the material we covered in class and its application and usefulness in the real world.

This course not only prepared me for potential careers, but it also taught me how to be a more effective leader in my current activities, as well as when to take a step back and enhance my followership skills. Overall, this course has provided me with the greatest amount of skills and knowledge that I can apply universally to any career path.

Next Steps

Spending two summers in Beijing has not only enhanced my understanding of the language and culture, but has opened my eyes to another realm of potential career paths. My most recent interest has been in International Adoption Law. I am applying to intern through firms and agencies to see both the law side as well as the social work side of international adoption.

I am definitely interested in moving to China post-graduation, and I hope to attend graduate school in addition to teaching English. I think this will provide me the opportunity to explore more international career paths while improving my fluency in the Chinese language.