ISP Reflection

My time in the International Scholars Program (ISP) at the University of Florida has shaped my college experience, deepening my understanding of both my own culture and others. It has encouraged me to focus on my personal growth and values, develop a greater appreciation for language and cultural diversity, and build professional skills that will serve me in the future. This program has inspired me to seize every opportunity for learning and to embrace the chances in front of me, rather than delay them. Throughout college, I often became overwhelmed with schoolwork and applications, which caused me to miss out on the rich cultural experiences around me. These experiences have not only defined my college journey but have also pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, ultimately making me a more well-rounded individual. I am confident that these lessons will leave a lasting impact on my life, and I consider them to be the highlight of my college career.

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One of the most significant changes ISP has fostered in me is a deeper love and pride for my Chinese heritage. Before college, I never felt a strong connection to my culture and often kept it hidden from my classmates. It was not uncommon for me to feel embarrassed by the differences in how my family celebrated holidays. For example, instead of the traditional turkey and gifts for Thanksgiving or Christmas, my family would often have a Chinese barbecue or hotpot. This felt unusual compared to what my friends experienced, and I sometimes wished I could fit in more with mainstream American traditions. However, joining the Chinese American Student Association (CASA) at UF and hearing stories from people of diverse ethnic backgrounds helped me realize that I was not alone. There were many others who, like me, celebrated holidays by blending their cultural traditions. I also discovered other cultures with unique ways of celebrating that I had never encountered before. This realization transformed any feelings of shame into a sense of pride and joy. I began to appreciate my family's unique customs and now view them as something special to celebrate and share with others, hoping they too can learn from and enjoy them.

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In addition to a greater appreciation of my heritage, ISP has helped me develop a deeper understanding of my family dynamics. I’ve come to realize that my family expresses love in a way that is different from the overt affection often portrayed in American media or by my friends' families. For a long time, I held a stubborn resentment because my family didn’t show love in the way I expected. However, I now see that their love is expressed through actions and dedication rather than words or gestures. I have learned to appreciate the quiet strength it takes for my family to love and care for me in their own way. The program also encouraged me to learn more about my parents' upbringing and their experiences growing up in China. This exploration has brought me closer to my parents and allowed me to understand their sacrifices and resilience in a deeper way.

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Additionally, I have gained a strong sense of pride in being a heritage speaker. I am extremely grateful that my parents made the effort to teach me Mandarin from a young age. While my proficiency is not perfect, I am now able to communicate effectively in the language. I feel a greater sense of connection to other heritage speakers and often share similar experiences with friends about the challenges of communicating with relatives and native speakers. This newfound appreciation has encouraged me to speak Mandarin more often and work on expanding my vocabulary. I am also excited to return to China this summer, where I hope to practice my Mandarin skills and immerse myself further in Chinese culture.

The leadership skills I have developed through ISP and my involvement in cultural organizations, especially the Chinese American Student Association (CASA), have been another major highlight of my college experience. As a leader within CASA, I had the privilege of guiding a group of over 120 students and organizing cultural events that showcased Chinese American culture. It was an honor to grow in this role and to learn how to lead with confidence, strategize effectively, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. One of my proudest moments was helping to organize CASA’s first signature event: the Chinese New Year 2023 celebration. This event was a major undertaking and presented many logistical challenges, but through teamwork, perseverance, and a reliance on our cultural competence, we were able to create one of the largest cultural celebrations the university had ever seen. It was a truly humbling experience to share the stage with so many passionate Chinese American students and others interested in Chinese culture. After the event, I felt immense pride, not only in my own contributions but in the strong sense of community that had been cultivated at UF.

That sense of community extends beyond CASA, as I have witnessed it in numerous other cultural events across campus. The level of appreciation and support among students from all backgrounds has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at UF. It has encouraged me to attend various cultural events and collaborate with different organizations, fostering an even deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusion.

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ISP coursework also played a vital role in enriching my college experience. One of my favorite classes was Chemistry in La Cocina Latina, which perfectly blended my interests in science, engineering, and food with cultural immersion and self-discovery. In this course, I learned about various Latin dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques that were unfamiliar to me. It was fascinating to compare the culinary traditions of Latin America with my own Chinese heritage. For my final project, I chose to make beef empanadas, drawing a connection between them and Chinese dumplings, which I’ve made many times before. While the ingredients and cooking methods were different, I found comfort in the similar concept of wrapping ingredients in dough. It was quite an extensive process and was difficult to make, however the final dish was incredible and thrilling to the class. The course also led to one of my favorite discussions on the many ways different cultures prepare rice, a staple food in both Chinese and Latin cuisines. I was intrigued by my classmates and would like to incorporate many of their tips into my own cooking. These kinds of experiences expanded my worldview and reinforced the importance of cultural exchange.

I am very grateful for the International Scholars Program and campus organizations that continue to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. These groups have helped create spaces where students like me can connect with and celebrate their cultural backgrounds. I’m proud of the person I have become and grateful for the many lessons I’ve learned. The University of Florida has been instrumental in shaping who I am today, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences I’ve gained here.