Chinese Youth Academy

The goal is to encourage people like me to embrace their heritages and celebrate our unique differences. We do so by teaching Chinese to middle school students and helping high school students with homework. The students participate in holiday celebrations and perform skits in Chinese. We even had the Chinese ambassador to the United States visit our high school! The students asked many Sino-U.S. questions, learning about the economic and political ties between the two countries. It was great experience for all involved. In the summer of 2009, Sam Wang (co-founder) and I led a group of 25 high school students on a Chinese summer immersion camp to Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming. We were surprised by their eagerness to learn and how quickly their Chinese skills escalated! A book, Impressions of China, is currently being published, with essays from all the members in the group documenting their experiences. It is our hope that this book will educate others on how important and life-changing it is to accept others, grow together, and learn from each other. In the summer of 2010, I applied as a teacher's aide for the Startalk Summer Camp at the University of Hawai'i: Manoa. My time there was well-spent as I met students from all around the nation who had a passion for the Chinese people and their culture. It was inspiring to see such dedication and learn about their lifestyles. As a freshman in college next year, I hope to expand upon the work of the Chinese Youth Academy. We are looking to work with organizations such as OCA and plan more study abroad trips for college students. The impact it has made in the lives of hundreds of people has been rewarding, and it is my mission to make progress in celebrating all cultures around the world.