Sequel - Fall 2007 - (Page 10) 國 際 研 究 主 任 I N T E R N A T I O N A L S T U D I E S D I R E C T O R B O Y D B A U E R Accompanying Bauer and Jenne were Associate Business Professor Eugene Seeley, and Daniel Perry representing Utah Valley State’s drafting, design, graphics and engineering technology programs. Upon arriving in China, the UVSC delegation sent word (via e-mail) of their safe arrival from an Internet cafe, an establishment that has become increasingly popular in modern China. Dean Jenne was immediately struck by the stark contrasts between China’s modern and ancient cultures. “There is obviously a very progressive, talented, sophisticated and wealthy upper class here, while at the same time, there is evidence of millions of hours of manual labor and poor living conditions of the lower class. It is simply an amazing situation,” he said. The group departed for China on June 4 -- a day the world has not forgotten. This was the day Chinese college students marched on Tiananamen Square. China’s government, however, prefers not to allow the event to be commemorated. Perhaps the country’s largest and longest protest for government reform, “The June Fourth Movement,” as it is quietly referred to in China, resulted in the 1989 loss of countless lives and is only privately observed. Many laud the act as an unforgettable and symbolic gesture of the people’s cry for democracy and end to oppression, even at the cost of human life. And perhaps the actions of the Chinese students and the harsh reaction of the Chinese government to the events of Tiananamen Square, a scene etched in the eyes and minds of the world, are among the reasons the UVSC delegation was able to travel so deep into this mysterious country to learn of its successes in business, education and economic reforms. Living near the China World Trade Center, Walters says, “I am amazed at how modern it is here.” Like many young entrepreneurs, Walters lives in a downtown Beijing apartment and enjoys the opportunity that accompanies a metropolitan life. Originally, Walters came to China to conduct research for his UVSC integrated studies thesis, but he changed plans mid-way through the experience. “There is so much opportunity here,” he writes. “It’s rather ironic. I came to China to research film piracy and ended up writing a film about a Chinese pirate.” Currently, Walters is working on several animated and liveaction films and a television series for China Film Group and Warner Brothers, China. CHINESE UVSC SELECTED AS HOST TO FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS UVSC被選擇作為主人對中國FULBRIGHT學者 電 視 攝 製 者 10 T E L E V I S I O N F I L M M A K E R P E T E R W A L T E R S GROWING A CAREER IN A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY 在機會之地生長事業 Peter Walters ’07 studied sociology and communication at UVSC before moving from his home in Provo to work in Beijing – a city he describes as full of energy and endless opportunity. “This I do not mean to say in a negative way,” says Ling Ling Zoe to her UVSC public relations classmates. “But I believe Americans are very conceited.” Zoe tells of her love for her home near Beijing and how she enjoys volunteering at a small, poor orphanage where “the children are like family to me.” She explains that her purpose for taking this class is to learn to promote the orphanage and help raise funds for activities and field trips. Zoe’s profession is teaching literature at Xi’an International Studies University where her genres of choice are American and British literature with a special interest in Emily Dickinson. She came to UVSC to serve as a Fulbright Teaching Language Assistant in Mandarin Chinese. Under the Fulbright program, and in addition to her work as a T.A., Zoe is allowed to take classes during free time. “The primary beneficiaries of this arrangement are the students,” Bauer says. “Students are enriched by the mere opportunity to study alongside these wonderful Chinese scholars and to be taught the Chinese language by those who live it.” Zoe’s American classmates are eager to know why she does not want to stay. She quietly laughs and then expresses passionately, “This is exactly what I mean. I love my home country. I do not think Americans can understand this. I do not think Americans understand what China is like. It is a wonderful home.” FA L L 2 0 0 7 utah valley state college alumni magazine
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