Ahh Nanjing, how many poems must I write for you? How many metaphors must I conjure to express what you have given me? How shall I do any of that? You have given me what I did not think possible: “A new way of dealing with failure.” You taught me to appreciate every step in the process, because challenging myself to accomplish such a task is merit that the process is what I am searching for after all. Not the reward or recognition, but to look back at my work and say with confidence, “Yes, I did the best I could. Onto the next one.” I went to Nanjing because I was accepted into a 2-week medical exchange program at the Nanjing Medical University. 2 of my friends were also accepted into the program, so I felt a bit more comfortable opening up to others. Eventually, a few of us began to grow closer, and we formed a group of 8-9 people that stuck throughout the entire length of the program. The connections I created during this time helped me foster a more humanist approach to my work. They helped me notice more of what lay quiet. They helped me become closer to my work. Nanjing, along with its own incredible scenery and contrasts, gave me friendship, connections, and a reason to fight for others when they cannot fight for themselves. Even while I was distracted, I still found pockets of time to snap a shot that I deemed had a story. “Precurated” in my head, so to speak. Nanjing made me think for the first time, but actually think about my process. It forced me to slow down, which may be a more vital skill in today’s fast-paced world more than anything else. Thank you, Nanjing, and thank you to all those who were with me and helped me foster my creative vision. I hope you like what you see.