A Journey That Started 30 Years Ago

Hello again. Here at Texas A&M University, our school year began last week. This time of year, I think about beginnings of previous school years. I especially recall the school year that began 30 years ago—when I started my first international work.

At this time in 1983, I had arrived in China to teach at Beijing Medical University (now Peking University Health Science Center). Back then, few Chinese researchers published papers in English-language international journals.

My role was to teach scientific writing to faculty members and others. I also worked with editors at the Chinese Medical Association, which publishes many journals. Many of my students were old enough to be my parents.

I found the work very satisfying. I enjoyed the cross-cultural experience. And I developed warm friendships. Some former students and colleagues in China stay in touch with me. When I visit Beijing, some of us meet for a meal.

I taught in China for 2 school years. After returning to America, I remained interested in international work. I sometimes gave workshops overseas. Eventually I coordinated the US part of a project to teach medical writing and editing in China.

Several years ago, the international experience led to another invitation: to help establish AuthorAID. Since then, I've stayed active in AuthorAID. I'm glad that AuthorAID has given me chances to work with researchers in many countries.

As a new school year begins, I look forward to the next part of the journey.

Until the next post—

Barbara