A few weeks ago, I received an email late one night from the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) saying that I was invited to attend a program as a delegate on Business & Entrepreneurship in China. It said I had "been chosen for this honor based on exemplary academic performance." When I woke up I was 100% sure it was just a dream, but, there it was, actually sitting in my inbox and it was actually a real invitation!
Growing up, I've always wanted to visit Asia. Not really anywhere in particular, its culture seems so steeped in tradition that it's just like an open book waiting for you to jump in and learn about its history, This opportunity really seemed just too good to be true. But through some thorough research into the organization and what previous participants had to say about their experiences, all of my findings came back positive and even more enticing. Trust me, I spent days trying to poke holes in this opportunity.
After some thought and much encouragement, I've decided that this is an opportunity that I simply cannot afford to miss out on. That being said, "afford" might be the keyword! Without your help I won't be able to make this dream come true. There's no telling how many doors this experience could open; not only personally, but scholastically and professionally as well.
On the trip, we'll get to experience first hand what makes China the second-biggest economy in the world. We'll meet business executives, learn about cross-cultural communication, the processes of marketing in China, issues and trends impacting businesses in China’s financial industry, among much, much more all the while traveling through cities and meeting locals and fellow students from places like the People's University. (You can check out our schedule here!)
If you know me, you know that asking for help is typically the last thing I'll ever do -- I even had difficulties just putting this profile together. But every one of you has helped me in some way, shape, or form in my life and I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask you one more time.
If you could help with this endeavor however you can, I could not begin to tell you how grateful I would be. And even if you can't, maybe you know someone who might be able to pass the word along! Anything at all helps and I truly, truly appreciate your time.
谢谢 (thank you),
- Roque Taylor
Program Details:
When: May 26, 2015 through June 5, 2015.
Where: Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.
What: Here's our schedule!
Here's the main program page. Be sure to check out the cultural highlights!
About Me:
Home schooled student turned collegiate majoring in Marketing, I'm currently attending Rose State College for the last semester before obtaining my Associates degree and attending the University of Central in the fall for my Bachelors degree. A member of Phi Theta Kappa and The National Technical Honor Society. Born and raised in 4-H and constantly striving to make the best better. Part time Sellebrity at Old Navy, full time freelance web designer and developer.
Have any questions? Send them my way anytime! 
(photos thanks to: http://www.chinahighlights.com/)
