By Myla Somers As the stone stairs narrowed and the air freshened, I became more in awe of the scenery surrounding me. On the mountaintop, I stood speechless, awestruck by the picturesque view that lay in front of me: Mountains so mesmerizing they appeared to have been painted by a stellar artist, rivers filled with glistening water and luscious greenery — all encompassing the city’s alluring, ancient architecture. Taking tai chi lessons on the top of one of Guilin, China’s most sweeping landscapes was truly an exhilarating experience and full-circle moment. I reminisced on the past three years of my language journey: from receiving my Chinese name during my first few classes, late nights spent studying new vocabulary, to later utilizing my language skills to bargain with local merchants.