Bryan Townsend graduated from the University of Delaware in May, 2004, having earned three degrees: an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree with Distinction as a Dean's Scholar with majors in philosophy and biology, an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree in economics, and a Master of Arts Degree in economics. Bryan was awarded a Truman Scholarship in 2003, which provides funding for students pursuing a career in public policy. He currently is pursuing graduate work at Cambridge University in Chinese Studies on a Freeman Scholarship.

I braced myself against the biting winds that whipped up and around the Cliffs of Moher, grimacing as the sea spray pelted my cheeks. I’d never seen water run uphill. But even that day’s weather could not keep me off the cliffs; Western Ireland is one of my favorites among the places I’ve traveled, and I was eager to return there while on holiday from my studies at the University of Cambridge in England, where I’ve made my latest stop since graduating from UD in May 2004.

I am a Masters of Philosophy candidate in the Chinese Studies program at Cambridge. My studies include learning the Chinese language (Mandarin) and specializing in Chinese politics and economics. The program is two years in length and includes a nine-month immersion period in China (April-December 2005), during which I will study at Peking University in Beijing. While in China I also plan to spend time practicing Tai Chi in Beijing’s parks, traveling throughout the country during summer holiday, and possibly working either at the United States embassy or for an international corporation. By the end of the nine months I hope to be conversationally fluent in Chinese and working towards fluency in reading economic and political texts.

After my studies in China, I will return to Cambridge to complete my degree (June 2006). I will then travel to Dover, England, where in July or August 2006 I will wade from the coast, swim through the waters of Dover Harbor and into the English Channel, and, if all goes well, emerge on the shore of France. I am attempting a crossing of the English Channel as an individual fundraiser for Special Olympics of Delaware. The funds I raise through pledges will support Special Olympians from Delaware in their travels to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Though I am an ocean away from Newark, by swimming I can simultaneously support the mission of Special Olympics of Delaware and undertake the tremendous mental and physical challenge the English Channel provides.

I have not yet finalized my plans for life after Cambridge and the English Channel. This June, while in Beijing, I will take the LSATs and begin my applications to law school (I believe the test is in English, though have a slight fear they are actually in Chinese). My study abroad experiences at UD have sparked in me a desire to help shape the course of international relations. Through UD I traveled to Antarctica; I now have an interest in helping to shape how the Antarctic Treaty evolves over time. Through UD I traveled to Tanzania; I now have an interest in helping to ensure that the Hadza of Tanzania succeed in their struggle to formally acquire land rights for the small sliver of valley that has become their only home. And, as China continues to take on a greater role in the drama of international relations, I wish to draw on the language and tools of law and my Chinese language abilities to encourage a peaceful transition for all.

Life has continued to pass all-too-quickly after my time at UD. The past eight months have been both challenging and exciting, and the future promises to be more so. As my world expands and plans become more lucid, I reflect on the fond memories of my experiences at the University of Delaware, deeply grateful for the opportunities UD provided and the friendships I formed and continue to foster.