Senior defensive lineman Aaron Meadows proved to be much more than an athlete earlier this summer when he travelled with a Morehead State group to China for a study abroad program.
Coordinated by MSU's director of international education, Dr. James Masterson, the course built a theoretical foundation for the concept of globalization. It then applied the framework to explore the impact that globalization has had on Chinese domestic development and international relations.
"The China trip was one of the best experiences in my life," Meadows said. "I never expected to learn so much about their culture and people. I also enjoyed visiting so many of their landmarks, like the Great Wall in Beijing and Tianjin Eye on the Haihe River."
Nine Morehead State students departed for China on May 14 and began classes two days later. The trip included visits to the Summer Palace, Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tianyi Square, Minzu University of China and Museum of Minorities.
An excursion on the first day of June featured the Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin Eye and Haihe Boat tour. Two weeks later, the group stopped at the Municipal Museum and Da Hutong.
The last week of June, the group moved to Guilin and Yangshuo. There, it visited Guangxi Normal University, the ancient campus for GNXU, Seven Stars Park, Elephant Truck Hill, among other places. The students and staff returned to Morehead on July 3.
"I want to thank my family, Dr. Masterson and everyone at Morehead State for their support," Meadows said. "Being part of the program was not only a chance to study abroad, but to represent our university internationally. It was a great honor, and certainly one I will never forget."
Meadows, a native of Salt Lick, Ky., is in his fifth year at MSU. The Bath County High School graduate played in all 11 games as a junior, registering 43 tackles and six sacks. The son of Steve and Robyn Meadows was a 2012 Second-Team All-Pioneer Football League selection.
"Now that I'm back on campus, I'm working hard to get ready for classes and the 2013 football season," Meadows added. "I'm on pace to finish my degree, and our football program has a new championship mindset. It should be a great year for us, and I'm looking forward to it."
