South Carolina State University October 17, 2014 SC State Senior journeys to China with members of the CBCF’s Emerging Leader’s program South Carolina State University senior, professional English major Howard K. Rhodes traveled to China with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.’s (CBCF) Emerging Leaders: U.S.-China Study Abroad Program. Rhodes was among 19 students from various U.S. colleges and universities in the Marcia L. Fudge Inaugural Cohort that visited Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai this summer. The inaugural cohort was comprised of freshman and sophomore students from nineteen colleges and universities in the Congressional Black Caucus member districts. Selected students were required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. During the two week excursion, students studied Chinese history, the Mandarin language, business and politics. Although this was Rhode’s first trip to China, the culture is not foreign to him. “I have been a student of the SC State Mandarin Chinese program, where I studied and tutored Mandarin. I also organized and participated in various cultural enrichment activities and international festivals at SC State. I credit my professor, Chia- Wen Huang for encouraging me to apply for the internship program,” stated Rhodes. During his excursion to China, Rhodes gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture, the Mandarin language and formed bonds with the students and those he met in China. He hopes to inspire other SC State students to apply for the CBCF’s program. “The Chinese government welcomes interaction with African-American students and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The CBCF will be searching for students who show genuine interest in learning from other cultures. I encourage students to explore opportunities with SC State’s Office of International and National Student Exchange Program,” continued Rhodes. When Rhodes is not sharpening his skills in Chinese culture, he enjoys playing the guitar and is a saxophonist in the Marching 101 Band. He is also an intern with the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium, president of the Eta Xi chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the alumni relations officer of the Nu Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. After graduation, the Macon, Ga. native plans to travel abroad and pursue a career in teaching English as a second language in China. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.