I'm an American who studied abroad at a college in China. My time there inspired the rest of my career.

The author (right) studied abroad in China in college. Courtesy of Marianna Kay Maddock I have always been fascinated by China and have wanted to visit. The opportunity presented itself through my study abroad semester in China. My time in Shanghai proved to be foundational for my career in international higher education. It all started when I first watched Disney's "Mulan." As a child of the 1990s, Disney played an important role in my upbringing, especially in shaping my curiosity and fut...