The Arts
Angie Newman Johnson Gallery
Maddie Melton Shares Love of Exploration with Students
Former Episcopal student Maddie Melton returned to campus in February to discuss the merits of studying abroad with students of Julie Wang’s Chinese 3 and 4 classes. According to Wang, her former student’s experience “inspires my students to also pursue their passions and confront challenges with unwavering determination.”
Melton, who spent the last two years of high school abroad, was deeply influenced by Wang and the Chinese language while on The Holy Hill. “From the very first day, it was my very favorite subject,” Melton told the students. “I found the meaning and the history so beautiful.”
When Melton first found a home in China as a junior in high school, there was no turning back for the adventurous student, who went on to another high school in Hong Kong and university in Cape Town, South Africa. “I was so motivated and excited by the world,” Melton said.
That excitement still dictates Melton’s path, from hiking the entire Pacific Coast Trail to now working for Where There be Dragons, which offers immersive travel abroad programs in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America, where Melton can share their love of travel, Chinese culture, and hiking with students all over the world. Melton’s parting advice to Episcopal students was to follow their passions, wherever they may lead.
“Trust the process,” Melton said, acknowledging while the path may often be meandering, it is always worthwhile.
“Trust the process,” Melton said, acknowledging while the path may often be meandering, it is always worthwhile.
