Communication/Comments: 2/22 Saturday Midnight

Purpose:
This activity sets the foundation for cross-cultural understanding and builds connections through personal storytelling. It allows students to celebrate diversity while identifying common threads across cultures, fostering a sense of global community.

Part 1: Create and Share Your Introduction

Introduce yourself, your family, community, hobbies, culture, and educational journey (including your college life).

Visual Elements: Include images, videos, or drawings (e.g., photo, favorite hobby, cultural event, college environment).

Suggested Themes:

Family & Community: Highlight unique traditions, values, or practices in your family or community.

Hobbies: Share activities you’re passionate about and how they reflect your personality.

Culture: Present an element of your culture (e.g., food, language, festivals) that is meaningful to you.

Education: Describe your educational background and what college life looks like for you (e.g., your major, a typical day, challenges, or favorite aspects).

Part 2: Share on Padlet

Post your introduction on the shared Padlet wall created for this activity.

Ensure your visuals and descriptions are clear, engaging, and respectful.

Part 3: Interact with Peers

-Read all students' postings

- Comment on at least 4 international posts.

-Focus on aspects that resonate with you, similarities or differences with your own story, or questions you have about their experiences.

Comment Guidelines:

Responses should be 3–5 sentences, reflective, and respectful.

Example: "I love how you described your family’s cultural traditions! The festival you mentioned reminds me of one we celebrate in my country. What role does this event play in your community?"

EDuHK student (1):

UPNFM students (2) #1: Luander Enrrique Romero Valdez, #2: Yera Indira Rivera Pacheco

HNU students (4): Yangtangshi Shi, Qi Shen, Ru Xie， Xiaoting Zhu

EDuHK student (1):

UPNFM students (2): Genesis Angelina Mejia Muñoz, Jose Gustavo Godoy Romero

HNU students (3): Qianqian Wu, Shuai Huang, Xin Liu

UPNFM students (3): # 1: Katherine Michelle Valladares Carrasco; # 2: Marla Jose Lobo Barahona. # 3: Karla Yesenia Romero GuerraHNU students (3): Qingqing Ge, Gonghao Sun, Weilin Huang，

EDuHK student (1):

UPNFM students (3) # 1: Melissa Maria Reyes Sánchez

# 2: Karen Selenia Escobar Cruz

# 3: Lessy Minely Romero Zelaya

HNU students (3): Yuying Zou, Tian Shen, Liang He

UPNFM students (3) # 1: Kathia Mirely Varela Salmeron

# 2: Norma Cecilia Palencia Sánchez

# 3: Ana Maria Oseguera Martinez

HNU students (3): Ling Wen, Qingqing Zhang, Rongqi Zeng

UPNFM students (3) # 1: Ariana Michael Guifarro Saborío

# 2: Gigliola Maria Valderramos Martinez

# 3: Astri Nicole Navas Martute

HNU students (2): Siyuan Dai, Jiayi Huang

As a Vietnamese American, I was immersed in the rich traditions of my culture, from celebrating Tết (Lunar New Year) with family gatherings and delicious food to enjoying the warm hospitality that is deeply rooted in Vietnamese values. A fun fact about me is that I’m a big fan of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, with favorites like Phở, Bún Bò Huế, Bánh xèo, Dumplings, Xiao Long Bao, and Char Siu Bao. I believe food plays a significant role in Vietnamese and other Asian cultures. It brings people together and serves as a way to preserve traditions across generations.

My educational background is that I attended Duluth High School from 9th to 12th grade and graduated in 2022. I then attended Georgia State University from August 2022 to present. As a CIS student, my studies combine business and technology. I really enjoy programming in Python, R, SQL, and using Excel to analyze data.

My ancestry traces back to Ha Noi, Vietnam and Guangzhou, China. I come from a family line of refugees with my dad fleeing from Vietnam to the U.S. because of the Sino-Vietnamese War and my grandfather fleeing from China to Vietnam because of the Chinese Civil War. I mostly grew up with my Vietnamese heritage, but I try to stay in touch with Chinese culture as well and I would like to learn Mandarin and Cantonese in the future.

A unique tradition that my family celebrates is Lunar New Year or Tet. On this day, we give out red envelopes and eat a huge meal but we do not get a day off in school or work in the United States. My mom is also Buddhist, but the rest of my family is non-religious. Sometimes we go to the local temple around where I'm from.

My culture is mainly African American...my dad is AA and my mom is White. I grew up closer to my dad's side due to the fact of my mom's side living in Oklahoma and Kansas City, so I grew up in the African American culture. So a big part of my culture, or at least my family, is we like to have parties or gatherings where both of my dad's sides come together and they cook and we dance and enjoy each others company. The food my family typically eats is basically what you'll see if you look up traditional southern food/soul food, fish fry, and BBQ...all of which are heavily influenced by Black/African American cultures.

My educational background: I went to high school and graduated Spring 2024 and now I'm at GSU majoring in Neuroscience, as said before, my experience is pretty good. I have had good experiences with my professors so far...a challenge I am currently dealing with is balancing my job and my school work. Other than that I think college is going to be very fun and interesting.

My name is Crystal Han, and I am in my last semester at GSU. I am majoring in Biology but am also a pre-med student interested in going to medical school after I graduate. I plan on taking a few gap years to work and gain more experience before applying.

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, but later lived in Incheon and Suwon for a few years. Then, when I was 6, I moved to Shanghai, China, where I lived for 9 years, then I moved to Buford, Georgia in 2018 when I was 15 and have been living here since. Because of this, I speak Korean and English fluently. I speak a little bit of Mandarin, but I have forgotten most of it because it has been a while since I've visited China. This has impacted on what I perceive as my "culture" because I have adapted many different aspects of many cultures into myself. For example, it was only after moving to the U.S. that our family started celebrating Thanksgiving. And although I am from Korea, because I lived in China I am accustomed to celebrating Lunar New Year in Chinese ways as well. This has also led me to be more embracing of trying things that are new to me.

Because I've moved around a lot, I value my family a lot because my family was the one thing that stayed constant throughout this journey. My parents are both from Korea, and I have a younger brother who is currently in his last year of high school. I also have a dog that I love to death!!

As for my educational journey, I went to preschool in Korea, then attended an international school that used an American curriculum from 1st-9th grade in Shanghai, then a public high school from 10th-12th grade in Georgia.

My hobbies are mostly craft things; I love to crochet and have crocheted almost anything imaginable like clothes, stuffed animals, blankets, accessories, etc., but over the winter break, I tried picking up on knitting, so I am knitting a sweater right now (and it's going great so far I loved every step). I also like to travel a lot and experience different cultures.

My hobbies are cooking, drawing, listening to music, and some of my favorites are enjoying time with family and spending time alone. I have 6 siblings, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. In Honduras, on September 15th, we celebrate Independence Day, and during this celebration, there are patriotic parades where all educational centers in Honduras participate.

Hello, my name is Karen, I am from Honduras, I am currently at university studying a degree in pedagogy. This is my third year at university and it has been a challenge and a goal to achieve and I know I will achieve it. In the future I would like to teach kindergarten children, I would like to leave traces in their lives through the learning process. I also love children, I think they are very adorable and tender and their innocence captivates me.

I can't say that I have a favorite hobby as such, but I can highlight what I love to do and that is observing God's creation, nature, animals, people and everything that has been created by God I believe is Perfect, because he is perfect. God is a fundamental part of my life, I believe that without him nothing about me would make sense.

Something else about me is that I like art, getting to know new places, I like to cook new recipes; I always like to learn new things.

I have worked in three bilingual schools, specializing in Language, Spelling, and Reading. I love finding creative and dynamic ways to engage my students, making learning both fun and meaningful. My goal is to help them develop strong literacy skills and a love for the English language.

I am also a student at the Universidad pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán (UPNFM), where I am completing my internship for a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching. I currently have an A2 level in English, and I am always working to improve my skills to become a better educator.

Beyond teaching, I have a passion for drawing and painting. I enjoy expressing my creativity through art, and it is something that brings me joy and inspiration.

Teaching is not just my job it is my passion. I love inspiring young minds, helping them grow, and creating a positive learning environment where they feel valued and encouraged.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! 🩷

University life has been a challenging but rewarding experience. Balancing work and studies isn’t easy, but I enjoy learning and growing every day.

In my free time, I love listening to music and painting, it’s my way of relaxing and expressing myself. I come from a small but close knit family; I have two older sisters who have always been a great support in my life.

In addition to knowing my country, I dream of traveling to other countries and immersing myself in their cultures. I love learning about different traditions and ways of life. Through my travels, I seek not only to enrich my knowledge of the English language but also to connect with people from different parts of the world and share experiences. I am excited about what the future holds for me in my adventures and learning.

My family is a fundamental part of my life. They have taught me values ​​such as respect, perseverance, and the importance of education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and working on my small businesses. In my community, especially in my family, family relationships are very close and we always support each other. We also celebrate special traditions that strengthen our bonds of love and affection, such as family gatherings on important dates. One aspect of my culture that I value very much is our traditional food. One of my favorite dishes is pupusas. Also, in my culture we celebrate the independence of our country. Being a student at UPNFM has been a challenge and a great opportunity for growth. I spend most of my time attending classes and practicing English to improve my skills. Although understanding certain concepts can be difficult, I always look for ways to learn visually as it helps me better understand abstract topics.

Currently, I am studying the teaching career in the specialty of English, a passion that motivates me to continue growing as a professional. I am very excited to be part of the community of future English teachers. Language teaching allows me to connect with people from different cultures and share knowledge that can open doors to new opportunities. Apart from my studies, I really enjoy listening to music, since it helps me relax and find inspiration.

Also, sometimes, I like to dance, which allows me to disconnect and have fun. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little more. I hope we can share more ideas and experiences!

I live in Juticalpa, Olancho Honduras🇭🇳

I am 29 years old, and I graduated from the Instituto Tecnologico San José.

I am currently a student at (UPNFM) and I am in my third year of studying English Career. My family is essential for me because they help me a lot in my personal life and in my university. It is really helpful to have the support of my family because it motivates me to continue preparing. In my free time i really enjoy spending time with my family and friends and going to places we don't know, and discovering new adventures. One of the aspects i like most about my culture is our traditional food. One of my favorite dishes are pupusas and Tapado Olanchano, we celebrate the independence of our country on September 15 where all the schools participate in their war bands or wind bands at the National level, there are decorated cars, children wearing their best costumes and also our fair on December 8, normally it is a whole week, there is a parade of horses, floats, everything about livestock is really very beautiful and i don't miss it for anything, I really enjoy being able to see it. I hope to continue preparing much more after I finish my university, and to be able to develop all my skills much more and discover ways to continue improving...

And I am very happy to participate in this program and to be able to meet each and every one of you. Now, I'm a university student at UPNFM, studying for a degree in English. Becoming an English teacher has been my dream since childhood, and I'm excited to make it a reality. I believe that language is a bridge to new opportunities, and I am eager to inspire and empower future learners through the power of education. With the help of God and my parents!!!

Most of my family members are teachers in different subjects, but I am the first to specialize in English. I believe that’s why I have a passion for teaching. I also love music, sports, and video games, and whenever I have free time, I enjoy these hobbies a lot.

In my country, Honduras, culture is very important, and music is one of the things that represents us the most, always with that Latin flavor that makes this part of the world special.

I invite you to learn more about my beautiful country and enjoy how wonderful it is to be Honduran! 💙

I have a lot of hobbies, sports, music, videogames and watching series, but my favorite is music. I can play many musical instruments, and I enjoy learning how to play new ones so I’m always listening to music or singing melodies. I like to play soccer, basketball and my favorite sport is volleyball, but it is not very popular here, so it is hard to find people who like to play but it makes it special when finally play a real match.

I discovered her through a series called Victorious. In my free time, I really like doing crochet and going out with my friends for coffee. I have two siblings, a sister and a brother. I am the youngest.I have two dogs, a parrot, and many chickens. I also have horses and cows. I love spending time with my family.I consider myself a charismatic and sociable girl. I love the food from my country. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Honduras, you must try baleadas. It is a very traditional and delicious dish

My hobbies include singing and dancing (especially Latin music like salsa and bachata. 💃🏽) Dancing has helped me stay connected to my culture since bachata originated in the Dominican Republic, and Colombia is known for its unique style of salsa (salsa caleña.) Whether at family gatherings or just for fun, music and dance have always been a big part of my life.

Growing up, I always loved writing and the performing arts. I attended a performing arts middle school, where I specialized in choir, and that experience shaped my love for storytelling. That passion eventually led me to Georgia State University, where I study Journalism. I’ve grown to love the fast-paced world of news and how meaningful storytelling can be.

A typical day for me starts with driving to campus at 8 a.m. to make it to my 9:30 a.m. class. After class, I spend time studying in the library before attending my final classes of the day. Sometimes, I take a dance class at my university’s gym, but if not, I make the hour-long drive home. The commute is worth it because I love going to college in the city. Being in downtown Atlanta provides incredible networking opportunities and hands-on journalism experience. Since we’re so close to Georgia’s Capitol, I can walk there and see firsthand what’s happening with the state’s legislation. This makes studying journalism here even more exciting.

My goal is to get into news reporting and use storytelling to inform and help communities. 🎥 I’m looking forward to meeting and working with everyone! Here’s to a great semester!

Hi everyone!! My name is Siyuan Dai(戴思源),it comes from a Chinese idiom '饮水思源'（When drinking the water,Always think of the source.）. You can also call me Daisy. I’m from Changsha, Hunan Province, and I’d love to show you around if you ever visit Changsha!

I’m passionate about swimming – so far, I’ve mastered breaststroke. Just recently, I swam 1,000 meters with my friends, which is incredibly rewarding! I’m also teaching myself piano these days, completely captivated by its rich tones and beautiful melodies!

Hunan cuisine, is one of the eight cuisines in China.It has an aromatic and spicy flavor. We love cooking with chili peppers and garlic – they make every dish pair perfectly with rice! Must-try specialties include Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili,Tasty Lobster and Stir-Fried Pork with Chili, these are absolutely delicious!

Can't wait to work with you guys!!!

first, I'm really honored to be part of this international exchange program. Please forgive me if my English is not very good, because I don't get many chances to chat with people from other countries. That's exactly why I'm so pumped about this program! Not only do I want to improve my English, but I'm really looking forward to making friends from all over and getting to know different cultures and lifestyles!

 I’m not sure how much you know about China, but I’d love to share about my city and campus life. I live in Changsha, a place where ancient history shakes hands with modern vibes. This city has been around for over 3000 years, and today it’s also rocking as one of China’s important economic hubs. Oh, and foodies would go crazy here – we’re famous for Hunan cuisine, spicy crayfish, and stinky tofu (trust me, it’s way better than it sounds!).

In my daily life, when I have free time,  I might go to watch a movie (by the way! I highly recommend a new Chinese film called "Ne Zha" to everyone. I just watched it and it's really great!) or do some exercise (I prefer playing pool or badminton), or play mahjong (a popular entertainment activity among many Chinese people, and I'm no exception), or visit a park to take some nice photos, or play board games, or go to an amusement park, or visit a cat café to pet cats, or go to a KTV to sing,or take a walk by the lake, or visit a museum, or meet up with my classmates for a big meal, and so on. In short, there are many fun and interesting activities for me to choose from, and I really love weekends. Ha ha.Of course, when I don't want to go out, I will order takeout, almost every restaurant or snack bar here can order takeout, very convenient, and can get within half an hour.

Joining this international exchange program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I'm excited to share my understanding and passion for Chinese culture with you and learn about your cultures and stories. I believe that through this exchange, we can not only deepen our mutual understanding and friendship but also explore the diversity and beauty of this world together.

I am really into global music and I would consider exploring music to be one of my main hobbies- some of my favorite genres are Brazilian funk, amapiano, dembow, kpop, visual kei, 90s-2010s r&b and hip-hop, and dancehall. Considering I listen to many genres, I don’t stick to just one artist, but a few I consistently enjoy are: NCT 127 (saw live in concert in 2023!), SHINee, Dir en Grey, Bone Thugs n Harmony just to name a few! Please do recommend some songs from your home country or artists you enjoy, would LOVE to check them out!!

Outside of music, I enjoy cooking (I meal prep every Sunday to stay on top of my studies) and spending time with friends. I even share a dorm with two of my closest friends from freshman year.

Being from the deep south of the U.S.A. comes with its own regional culture. Food is a big one- you can find cornbread, black-eyed peas, chicken and dumplings, grits, chicken fried steak and gravy, red beans and rice, and sweet tea- staples in my household. Most of these dishes are labeled "soul food"- southern food and dishes originated from Black/African Americans. As I grew up in the area I did in Columbus and with mostly just my mother, a mixed woman, these sorts of dishes were regularly a part of my life. The Baptist and specifically Southern Baptist church is also a pretty unique experience only to the South (my first place in education was a private Baptist school), however, I am no longer involved. "Southern hospitality" is a known phrase amongst Americans because of the warm and inviting presence of most Southern people, almost feeling like a mother away from home.

As an accounting major, my weekdays are packed with classes (especially Wednesdays, when I have four from 9:30 AM to 7 PM). My routine includes studying before class, attending lectures like Financial Reporting 2 and Accounting Information Systems, then heading to the library and studying some more before wrapping up the day with friends. I would like to work within the private sector, aiding individuals and lower socioeconomic status families and smaller businesses with improving their financial literacy.

Excited to connect with all of you!!

Since childhood, I have loved dogs. I’ve had many pet dogs growing up, and one of my fondest memories is of a little dog with a black heart-shaped patch on its head. Sadly, it passed away one summer because it liked to rest under cars and wasn’t noticed in time. I was heartbroken for a long time. My favorite breed is the Golden Retriever—their warm and gentle nature always brings me comfort. Besides dogs, I’ve also raised chickens, ducks, rabbits, and other animals.

In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar. Although I’m still learning and haven’t mastered strumming yet, I love playing and singing along to lyrical songs. Music helps me relax and brings me joy. I also enjoy cooking. A few summers ago, when my family was away, I had to cook for myself, which is how I learned to make many dishes. However, I’m still not very good at making desserts—they don’t always turn out well!

Last summer, I participated in a "Three Rural Areas" social initiative, where I traveled to a village in Yiyang, Hunan, to teach local children. This experience was incredibly meaningful. It deepened my understanding of the importance of education and allowed me to appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of rural life. After class, we often took walks in the mountains, chatting about life’s little moments. Those simple and heartfelt times remain unforgettable.

I hope to connect with like-minded friends on this platform and share the joys and reflections of life together. I look forward to exchanging ideas and experiences with all of you! 😊

My name is Lovia Appiah, and I am an international student from Ghana. I come from a family of five: my dad, mom, younger brother, younger sister, and me—the oldest. In 2016, my family moved to Georgia for my dad’s job, but they returned to Ghana in 2018, leaving me here to pursue my education. I started my journey in middle school, transitioned through high school, and I’m now on the cusp of graduation from Georgia State University (GSU) with a major in nutrition science! I’ll be graduating this coming May, and I couldn’t be more excited! 🎓🥳

Throughout my time in the U.S., my family has been my biggest support system. I cherish them deeply. My mom calls me every single day to check in, making sure I feel connected and loved even from afar. I am incredibly grateful for her unwavering support. My dad also encourages me to chase my dreams of becoming a doctor, always ensuring I have what I need to succeed. And my siblings? They never fail to bring joy and laughter into my life, making it feel like we’re all together, despite the miles that separate us.

At GSU, I've embraced opportunities I never imagined myself pursuing. I volunteer as a nutrition intern with Grady’s Food as Medicine program, where I help patients dealing with high blood pressure, diabetes, and food insecurity manage their health using food as medicine. This experience has profoundly impacted my educational journey. Additionally, I work as an undergraduate research assistant in a lab, a role that has sparked a newfound passion in me.

In my spare time, I love to immerse myself in hobbies that bring me joy. I enjoy reading, revisiting classic shows from the 90s and early 2000s, knitting, dancing, and recently, crocheting. Creating things with my hands is a source of happiness for me. Last summer, I worked on a crochet bag using granny squares, but I had to set it aside when classes started. I’m looking forward to picking it back up this summer! Reading has always been a cherished pastime of mine since childhood. Back home in Ghana, it was my escape, especially during power outages when the only form of entertainment was a good book or family time.

As I look ahead, my dream is to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal of becoming a cardiologist. This summer, I plan to apply to medical school and aim to enroll in August 2026. In the meantime, I hope to gain some practical experience while savoring a little freedom before diving back into my studies.

Question: What's one thing you've always wanted to learn?

To answer: I have always wanted to formally learn how to dance; like taking ballet classes.

I look forward to getting to know you all. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me!

In my free time, I enjoy daydreaming, taking walks, and watching TV dramas. Additionally, I play the guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither) and practice Chinese painting. Although I have only been learning these for a short while, I have gained a lot from them. I like exploring different aspects of myself.

As for my university life, although there are occasional minor frustrations, I still deeply love it. I am also grateful to my past self for working so hard to get into Hunan Normal University. Here, I have met many outstanding teachers and classmates. During my time at university, I have done many things I never thought I could.

I aspire to become an excellent primary school teacher. I enjoy interacting with children; it makes me feel healed. I previously participated in a  support education organized by the school, which was my first time standing on a primary school podium. I still remember during my first class, a student raised their hand and said, "Teacher, my tooth fell out!" It turned out the child was losing their baby teeth, and everything was resolved smoothly in the end.

My dad was a chef in the Navy for twenty years, so he cooks a lot! He especially makes Filipino food, such as pancit, lumpia, and sinigang. My mom works at a school cafeteria and also loves to cook! She makes Polish pierogi, bigos, and golabki. 

I grew up learning Polish, but quickly lost my ability to speak it when I started school. I understand the language well, but I’m trying to learn how to speak it again! As for Tagalog (Filipino language), unfortunately, I know nearly nothing of it. My dad communicated with my mom through their shared language of Italian but ended up sticking with English so she could learn when she immigrated to the United States. 

Where I am from, there was only one high school, so we had about 3,000 students! I graduated with about seven hundred other students. I currently attend university on a scholarship, and I am a first-generation college student in my family!

At Georgia State University, I am heavily involved with a literary journal titled Underground, where I serve as the head copyeditor. I am an intern proofreader and copyeditor for an academic journal as well. Finally, I tutor in English for high school students in my free time. My dream is to become a copywriter for a fashion magazine, but I’m also leaning toward academic publishing!

My family lives about six hours away, so I currently live on campus with three roommates! I also work on campus part-time, which is great since I don’t have to travel far. In my free time, I like to watch movies/shows (I just finished the new season of Single’s Inferno!), go to concerts with friends, cook, and write! I’m excited to get to know everyone and learn about your education systems! Thank you!

I’m studying at the Education University of Hong Kong, working on my Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Before moving here, I was an English teacher in Beijing for a few years after I graduated. I have to say, I’m loving the weather in Hong Kong compared to Beijing. The winters aren’t as harsh, and the summers aren’t as dry—it’s definitely a nice change.

For my career, I’m sticking with teaching, but I’m also thinking of driving a taxi part-time. I’ve always loved driving—it’s super relaxing for me, and I love the freedom it gives me. I’ve done a few road trips before, and one of the best memories I have is driving from Beijing to Xi’an. It was such an awesome adventure.

When it comes to food, I’m all about spicy stuff and noodles, especially Chongqing Xiaomian. There’s just something about the heat and flavor that I can’t get enough of. I’m all about trying new things, whether it’s new career opportunities or just exploring new hobbies. I’m excited for what the future holds and looking forward to more fun adventures. Greetings!

My name is Wen Ling (feel free to call me Ling). I’m 23 years old and grew up in Wanning, a sunny coastal city in Hainan, China. Imagine coconut trees, golden beaches, and the freshest seafood—if you’re curious about my hometown, I’d be happy to share more!

Currently, I’m specializing in Biology Education, focusing on teaching methods for middle and high school students. My goal is to make biology classes more engaging—whether through experiments, nature exploration, or creative activities. Let’s exchange ideas if you’re also passionate about education!

When I’m not studying, I enjoy watching TV series, especially nature documentaries like Planet Earthand Our Planet. They’re not only relaxing but also inspire me to design fun, nature-related activities for my future students. I’m also a big fan of light-hearted dramas and comedies—they’re my go-to for a good laugh after a busy day.

Oh, and I love running! Jogging along rivers or through parks is my favorite way to clear my mind and stay energized. If you’re into sports, feel free to join me!

Looking forward to learning about your culture and stories!

I grew up in Yiyang, Hunan, a city known for its lush bamboo forests and vibrant tea culture. My family includes my parents and my younger brother, who is not just a sibling but my closest confidant.

I’m an introvert who thrives in solitude. My favorite hobbies include reading books , listening to music, and learning new tech tools like Python programming. One cultural tradition close to my heart is the Dragon Boat Festival. Every year, my community gathers to honor Qu Yuan’s legacy by racing boats on the River and wrapping zongzi This festival symbolizes unity and respect for history.

I firmly believe that learning is not confined to the classroom but is a lifelong journey shaped by experiences. Moving forward, I hope to integrate my passions and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in my field.

Choosing a part-time study mode was a well-considered decision for me. During the day, I stand on the three-foot platform as a teacher, using interesting physics experiments to ignite the students' thirst for knowledge. At night and on weekends, I switch roles and go to school for further studies. Although this work-study combination is tiring, it enables me to apply the latest educational theories to my teaching practice in a timely manner.

As a young teacher, I firmly believe that "interest is the best teacher". Take the recent Spring Festival film "Nezha: The Devil Child Conquers the Sea" as an example. This movie was extremely popular. So, in the first class of this semester, I led the students to interpret "Ne Zha 2" from a physics perspective. For instance, we pondered why water vapor was produced when Ne Zha and Ao Bing's ultimate moves were combined, to review the knowledge of state changes of matter.

I come from Xinyang, Henan Province, a place with beautiful scenery and profound historical background, where I spent a wonderful childhood. After graduating from college, I passed the postgraduate exam of Hunan Normal University and came to Changsha, a city completely different from my hometown, but it won't make me feel strange and uneasy, because the teachers and classmates here are very kind and have given me great help in my study and life.

In my spare time, I like watching movies, novels, playing badminton (though not professional), running, traveling, etc. Last semester, my friends and I visited Yuelu Academy (the ancient building shown in the picture), which is one of the oldest universities in the world. During the visit, we were all shocked by this great ancient building, and we took many beautiful photos in it, which is very worth visiting.

Similarly, I like kittens very much. The pictures show the little cute people downstairs of my undergraduate school dormitory. They are very cute. They will meet us at the door when we go to class and we will bring them delicious food. Although we have graduated for half a year, we still miss these little animals very much.

In a word, there are many historic tourist attractions and many delicious foods in China. I hope you can come here to travel and play when you have time!

When it comes to traditional festivals, I do not have a single one that impresses me the most. However, I always enjoy celebrating festivals because they bring my family together. During Chinese New Year, for example, we gather around the table to share a meal, which is something I truly cherish. My father, who is usually busy with work, and my mother, who loves traveling, both take time to be with the family during these special occasions. To me, any day spent with my family feels like a holiday, as these moments are rare and precious.

Through my studies in early childhood education, I hope to contribute to the development of young children by fostering their creativity and curiosity. I look forward to learning from my peers and growing both academically and personally during my time in Hong Kong.

Nice to meet you all!

Additionally, I serve as an elementary school science teacher. Guiding young minds to uncover the mysteries of nature—from observing plant growth to conducting simple experiments—is both my profession and my joy. Children’s boundless curiosity and unexpected questions, like "Why do stars twinkle?" or "Can clouds ever run out of rain?", never fail to inspire me. This role has deepened my belief that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but sparking wonder.

I’m thrilled to join this learning community, where I hope to exchange ideas with all of you and grow both as an educator and a lifelong learner. Please feel free to reach out—whether to discuss innovative teaching methods, share travel stories, or even debate the best local snacks!

For my university life, I take many classes on biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare for a career in medicine. I hope to be a doctor and will be taking the MCAT exam to get into medical schools in May! But I also have an English minor, so I get to take creative writing courses as well! I love writing, especially fantasy and science fiction. I conduct research at another local university, Georgia Tech, working with stem cell engineering. I have had the amazing opportunity to conduct research on several topics at my university and other institutions, including capuchin monkey psychology, hyperinflammatory children’s diseases, and my current stem cell work. I have presented my research at conferences in several cities. 

I live at home with my family a little outside the city, and I have a little sister who wants to be a teacher when she grows up! I have three cats, one dog, and many fish tanks! My parents both work in sales and the restaurants industry. I attached a cute picture of one of my cats named Stuart! 

As for hobbies, I’m a dancer! I’ve been classical trained in ballet since I was three years old, and also love modern dance and jazz! I dance with a small company in Atlanta, teach ballet classes at Georgia State University, and founded a Ballet Company for students where we perform every year!

I also love to read and knit, I included a picture of some animal-themed mittens I made!

First, my name. My surname is Shi, and my given name is Yangtangshi. My name is a combination of my father’s surname and my mother’s surname. Tang poetry is one of the gems of Chinese culture, and the character "Yang" (扬) carries the meaning of promoting or spreading. I believe my parents hoped that I would contribute to the dissemination of Chinese culture. Fortunately, I have been doing exactly this.

Second, my hobbies. As my name says, I enjoy engaging in cultural related work. Besides engaging in sports like Pilates, basketball, and jogging, I have a long-standing love for watching "Friends" and volunteering at museums. If you guys have a chance China, I warmly welcome you to visit the Hunan Museum in Changsha, Hunan Province. I hope to introduce you to the historical artifacts of the Hunan region, such as the Mawangdui Han Tombs, and help you know more about Chinese culture.

Third, my academic background. I hold dual undergraduate degrees in English and Tourism Management. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in numerous competitions, forums, and volunteer services.  From these experiences, I discovered my passion for education and sought to inspire hope through it. Therefore, during my master’s studies, I chose the subject teaching, focusing on English education and curriculum cultural content. Currently, my doctoral studies revolve around Educational Leadership and Management, with a specific emphasis on educational project management and international exchanges.

I would like to express my gratitude to Professors Liu, Professors Zhao, Professors Zhou, and Professors Canales for the joint program, which has allowed me to participate in this opportunity to re-engage in academic learning after the pandemic time. I also look forward to having a chat or discussion with professors and students from different countries and regions, hoping to spark more inspiration through our interactions.

Thank you all and sooo nice to meet you!

I'm also a huge fan of Japanese anime, like "Chainsaw Man" and "Moriarty the Patriot." In my free time, I love watching game commentaries and playing games like "Dead by Daylight" and "Infinity Nikki." Lately, I've been really into following celebrities because they have some amazing qualities that I want to learn from, especially their never-give-up spirit. I also love making friends and chatting about our favorite stuff—it's super fun!

The Lantern Festival is a big deal in China. On that day, people usually set off fireworks, dance with dragons, and eat these yummy glutinous rice balls. It's special to me because my whole family gets together and has a meal that symbolizes "reunion."

I'm studying educational technology for my bachelor's degree, and I chose education for my master's because I'm super into it. During my undergrad, I learned some programming stuff, like C language and Python. Now, my teacher wants us to read a lot of educational books to expand our thinking. It's challenging, but I'm working hard to make the most of these three years! I hope you got a little glimpse of who I am through this intro. I'm really excited to chat more!

I'm a first - year postgraduate student at Hunan Normal University, studying Science and Technology Education. Ever since I was a kid, I've been dreaming of becoming a teacher. My undergraduate major was also in the field of education. I'm just really into that moment when I can pass on knowledge and inspire others.

When I'm not busy with my studies, I have a bunch of hobbies. I love reading books, getting lost in different stories and learning new things. Listening to music is like a must - do for me. It's like a magic key that can change my mood right away. And traveling! Oh my gosh, traveling is the best! I love visiting new places, trying different local foods, and meeting all kinds of people.

I'm also super curious and always eager to try new things. Whether it's a new extreme sport or a strange - looking dish, count me in! And making friends is one of my favorite things in the world. I believe friends are like the spices of life, adding all kinds of flavors.

I'm really looking forward to having wonderful cultural and academic exchanges with you all. I can't wait to learn about your cultures, share some cool Chinese stuff, and have deep talks about our majors. Let's make this an unforgettable experience together!

All right，I am a first-year graduate student majoring in Science and Technology Education.

Science is closely related to our daily lives, which is why I believe that learning science should not be confined to textbooks. Instead, it should be closely connected to life, allowing students to experience the charm of science through practice.

For example, I love food—I enjoy sharing meals with my family and friends, and I often cook for them. When cooking, phenomena like water boiling and oil heating are all rooted in scientific principles.

I also love singing with my friends. Have you ever wondered how sound is produced and how it travels to our ears when we sing?

I have a beloved Samoyed dog named Coconut, who is both a joy and a challenge. I love how he responds to commands like shaking hands, sitting, and eating, but I also get frustrated when he causes mischief. Dogs learn to understand human instructions through conditioned reflexes and learning.

And who doesn’t appreciate the beauty of a sunset? The stunning colors we see are actually the result of fascinating scientific phenomena like light scattering, refraction, and interactions with the atmosphere.

Reading everyone’s self-introductions has been so interesting—it’s amazing to see the different educational systems and cultures from around the world. I’d love to learn more about how science education is approached in your country!

Family has always been at the core of my identity. In Vietnam, we value respect, togetherness, and tradition. One of my fondest memories is gathering around the dining table for meals, where my family would share stories over bowls of steaming pho or plates of fresh spring rolls. Even after moving to the U.S., we continue these traditions, making sure that our culture stays alive through food, language, and celebrations.

My community in Vietnam was vibrant and filled with customs that emphasized unity. The Tet Festival, our Lunar New Year celebration, is something I deeply cherish. Each year, we would prepare by cleaning the house, cooking special dishes like banh chung, and visiting relatives to exchange lucky money in red envelopes. Though we are now in the U.S., my family still celebrates Tet with the same excitement, making sure to pass down our traditions to future generations. We also enjoy karaoke to celebrate when my family and relatives gather around during events that we celebrate together. 

Religious traditions are also a significant part of our lives. My mother’s side of the family practices Buddhism, while my father’s side follows Cao Dai, a Vietnamese spiritual belief that blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Because of this diverse religious background, my family frequently visits temples, especially during Tet, to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the new year. These visits not only connect us to our faith but also reinforce our cultural heritage. Speaking Vietnamese at home, making traditional dishes with my family, and celebrating our festivals have helped me maintain a strong connection to my heritage. One of the most iconic aspects of Vietnamese culture is the ao dai, our traditional costume. Often worn during special occasions such as Tet, weddings, and cultural events, the ao dai represents elegance, grace, and national pride.

Outside of my academic journey, I have always found joy in activities that allow me to express myself. Cooking Vietnamese dishes reminds me of home, while playing badminton is a hobby that keeps me active and connected to friends. In my free time, I enjoy watching Chinese and Korean dramas. The storytelling, culture, and cinematography captivate me, making it one of my favorite ways to relax.

Currently, I am pursuing a degree in chemistry, a subject that has always fascinated me. My goal is to become either a pharmacist or an optometrist, as both careers align with my passion for healthcare and helping others. College life has been a mix of excitement and challenges–balancing coursework, labs, and extracurricular activities requires dedication and time management. However, the learning experience is incredibly rewarding.

A typical day for me includes attending lectures, conducting experiments in the lab, and studying with classmates. Though the workload can be demanding, I find motivation in knowing that my efforts will lead me to a career where I can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

My family is ethnically Nigerian - specifically the Yoruba ethnicity - and one thing Nigeria is known for is the food. Nigerian food is made with many spices and lots of palm oil that give it a rich taste and aroma. Some of my favorites are jollof rice with fried plantains, pounded cassava with soup or stew, or boiled yam with gizzard and plantain. 

My educational background is a bit unusual. I went to an online public school for my entire K-12 period, so my first in person schooling experiences started in college. Nursing school is very fun and very stressful; I love clinical experiences where I can interact with patients and learn things like how to put in IVs and draw blood, but I still have to memorize laundry lists of medications for my exams.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and working with you!

I've always been passionate about dancing,especially Latin dance.I've been dancing for five years now,and it's not just a hobby for me—it's a way of expressing myself and connecting with music and movement.Dancing has taught me discipline,rhythm,and the joy of performance,and I love how it brings people together.

When I'm not dancing,you can often find me with a book in my hands.I'm an avid reader,and my favorite book is"Red Sorghum"by Mo Yan.It's a powerful and vivid story that captures the essence of life,love,and resilience.I'm drawn to literature because it allows me to explore different worlds,cultures,and perspectives,and it never fails to inspire me.

I consider myself an outgoing and cheerful person.I love meeting new people and making friends,and I believe that every person I meet has something unique and valuable to share.I'm excited to get to know all of you and to learn from our diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself.I look forward to getting to know each one of you and to the wonderful journey we'll share together.

I have many hobbies, such as singing, hosting, enjoying delicious food and taking photos. When I was in elementary school, I hosted two groups of international friends at my home and introduced them to Chinese culture. This experience sparked my interest in interacting with people from all over the world, and perhaps it laid the foundation for my passion for connecting with friends from diverse cultural backgrounds.

I am very outgoing and love making friends. If you have taken the MBTI test, I am an ESFJ. What about you? I hope we can become good friends! It’s a pleasure to meet all of you!

I really enjoy music and traveling. I can listen to all kinds of music and play instruments such as piano and guitar. If there is a chance, we can play together in groups. I have been to many tourist attractions in China, such as Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, etc. The most unforgettable one for me is the Gulangyu scenic spot in Xiamen. It is a small island, and it rained on the island that day. There were not many people, making it particularly peaceful. The ticking sound of rain falling on umbrellas made me feel integrated with nature. If you also enjoy traveling, we can share the happy things you encountered while traveling together!

HNNU is in Changsha, an internet famous city. If you have time to come to Changsha, I can be your tour guide! Of course, I will be going to Guangzhou as a teacher in September this year. If I could meet you in Guangzhou, I would also be very happy!

Besides, one of my favorite quotes is by Carl Sagan: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." This quote resonates with me deeply because it captures the essence of scientific exploration and the endless curiosity that drives us to understand the world around us. As a graduate student in biology, I am constantly reminded that there is always more to discover, whether it's in the intricate workings of a cell or the vast complexities of ecosystems. This quote inspires me to remain curious and open-minded, always seeking to uncover the incredible mysteries that nature holds. I hope it inspires you as well to embrace the unknown and pursue knowledge with passion and wonder.