Anna Frazier
My name is Anna Frazier and I am in the Chinese Flagship program here at the University of Minnesota. I wanted to come to Minnesota from St. Louis, MO because I think this university and the Flagship Program will push my Chinese skills and allow me to reach my goal of becoming an interpreter. I hope to work for the United Nations or any other government organization. I am currently studying Asian languages and literatures with a focus in Chinese as my major and then linguistics and global studies as my two minors. When I’m not focusing on school I spend my time as a member of my sorority Chi Omega, a tour guide for the U, and a mentor for the International Buddies Program (IBP).
Luke LeBeau
I'm a junior studying chemistry with a Chinese minor. I was first motivated to study Chinese in high school by my interest in paleontology, as I had heard China was a hotbed for dinosaur fossils. Along with the language's innate challenges and the fascinating evolutionary history of the Chinese written script, I was drawn to the Flagship program by my curiosity about China’s cultural perspective, which has since been satiated with two summers of firsthand experience. As I approach my capstone year, I aim to become versed in major-specific Chinese, which will facilitate congress between chemistry research here and a nation whose own research output is quickly approaching parity with the West in many fields.
Jade Arrowsmith
My name is Jade and I study Chinese and history here at the University of Minnesota. I love forming connections with Chinese people, including other students on campus and those in my community as well. Currently, I work on the board of the Chinese American Academic & Professional Association in Minnesota (明州华人学术联谊会) to host seminars for the promotion of professional development and networking among Chinese Americans. I am happy to announce that as of this year I will be serving as Vice President. I’m so excited to experience college life in another country. Taking full advantage of the resources offered by the Flagship program, I am eager to put my Chinese language skills to the test when I go to China next year!
Sam Nolan
My major is Asian languages and literatures-Chinese, and my minors are communication studies and management. I chose the Chinese Flagship Program because of the opportunity to raise my Chinese ability. This program values hard work and provides great opportunities for students. Flagship gives me the best chance to see my future dreams come true. I hope to go into international business with a focus on global supply chain or a sales position.
Jessica Nhan
I'm a physiology major with a minor in Asian languages and literatures and I want to become a physician assistant in the future. From first grade through my junior year of high school, I attended a Saturday school to learn Mandarin outside of my regular school hours. Through that program, I came to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Chinese language, and I found myself wanting to continue learning more after I got into the university. I initially participated in Chinese Flagship mostly out of personal interest, but because I would like to be a health care provider who can serve the Chinese population, Flagship helps me prepare for that.
Sophia Dooly
Hi! I'm Sophia Dooly, I'm a 4th year student with a double major in History and Asian languages and literatures-Chinese. I chose to apply for the Flagship Program during my sophomore year in order to take my Chinese to a higher level. After I was accepted, due to my continued classwork and experiences abroad through the program, my Chinese has continuously progressed, or 不断进步! For example, I completed the Intensive Language Program in Beijing last year, and through the UMN history department, I recently conducted a research trip to China's First Historical Archives to study Qing Dynasty Palace Maids. My future career goal is ultimately to work in a history museum, but while pursuing my PhD, I also hope to be able to teach at the collegiate level, do some translating work, and to continue to improve my Mandarin.
Daniel Huset
I’m a senior majoring in political science and Asian languages and literatures. I started studying Chinese in 7th grade and continued throughout high school, plus I attended Concordia Language Villages and took a school trip to China the summer after 10th grade. After I was accepted into the Chinese Flagship Program in my freshman year, I went to Beijing in CET’s Summer Language Intensive Program. Now I am midway through my capstone year at Nanjing University where I’m taking courses on Chinese media, composition, environmental economics, as well as a class on Chinese international relations on the Korean Peninsula. Before pursuing a graduate degree, I’m interested in gaining work experience related to human-rights policy and advocacy.
Bradford Olson
My name is Bradford Olson. I am a 5th year student pursuing a BS in mathematics and a BA in music with an applied emphasis in percussion. Outside of class, I am heavily involved in Greek life. I am the current chapter president of the Minnesota Alpha chapter of Phi Delta Theta, the Treasurer of the Gamma Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, the chairman of the Grants Committee of the Interfraternity Council, and the previous vice president of Finance of the Interfraternity Council.
After graduation, I intend to pursue a career in public service balancing my interests in politics, foreign affairs, and Mandarin. However, I also plan to continue pursuing my passion for marimba. As a University of Minnesota Chinese Flagship Program student, I had the opportunity to study marimba with Seoul Philharmonic Percussionist Mi-youne Kim in Seoul, South Korea and Ju Percussion Group Principal Percussionist Pei-Ching Wu in Taipei, Taiwan. I plan to use this experience, the Flagship Capstone Year, and my degrees to open a marimba studio and teach at local universities and colleges in whatever city I land.
Cameron Carlson
大家好! My name is Cameron Carlson and I studied Mandarin Chinese at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with Chinese Flagship. I also studied Arabic and linguistics. When I’m not busy with my head in a book, I enjoy traveling (to East Asia and otherwise,) trying my hand at photography, and being outdoors. Currently, I am a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Sichuan Province (2017-19). In the future, I plan to use my Chinese skills to become an interpreter with a nonprofit organization.
Eric Suter
I decided to study Mandarin Chinese because of my own competitiveness. When I first began college in 2011 I saw a large number of Chinese students moving around in masses. I slowly realized that no matter what I said—given that I only speak English—they would be able to understand me. However, if they were to begin speaking Chinese then I would have no conceivable idea of what they were talking about. One moment in particular stands out: I was about to register for fall semester courses and six or seven Chinese students were in the line behind me, speaking Chinese of course. As soon as I reached the desk I registered for a Chinese course.
Later on, I began to realize how much of a gap there was between the US and foreign countries, particularly the eastern countries. We as a nation constantly export our opinions, beliefs, and culture. However, in comparison to other countries, we rarely embrace other cultures, or if we do it is quite a slow uptake. I want to slowly close this gap through my travel and studies, but also through business. The business world is monopolized by western business institutions and methods. By working in the business development department of a multinational technology corporation within China I hope to develop my cultural sensitivity and intelligence while strengthening my business acumen.
Michael Wendland
I'm Michael Wendland and my majors are: chemical engineering, chemistry, and Asian languages & literatures. Through my participation in the Chinese Flagship Program, I hope to successfully combine these three interests into a future career. I am currently doing my capstone year at Nanjing University (2018).
Mason Williams
My name is Mason Williams and I majored in Finance and Mandarin Chinese. The business landscape in China has always interested me. I currently work as a risk advisory services consultant at RSM US LLP, an audit, tax, and consulting firm and a member of the global accounting network RSM International.
Melissa Deng
My name is Melissa and I study management information systems. I am studying Chinese to be able to communicate effectively with native speakers and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese society and culture. Through the Flagship program, I hope to become proficient in business Chinese and have more opportunities for professional and personal growth. Presently I am in Nanjing doing the capstone program (2017-18) and I work as an intern in the finance department at Sanpower Group, an investment company whose primary businesses are engaged in technology service.
Martin Miller
My name is Martin Miller. I am a fifth year student, pursuing a BIS in mathematics, economics, and Chinese. I love language with a passion; I speak French and Spanish. My dream would be to work as an interpreter for the UN. I am in the Flagship program because I truly wish to master Chinese, and see this as the opportunity to do so. I am currently doing the capstone year program at Nanjing University (2018).
Xander Jarnow
I'm Xander Jarnow, a student at the University of Minnesota and a member of the Chinese Flagship program. As a linguistics major and ROTC cadet, the Chinese language has fascinated me from both a structural and political framework. I have taken four years of Chinese at the University of Minnesota, completed two research projects within Chinese linguistics, studied abroad in Taiwan and China, and slowly realized my interest in Chinese has turned into a lifelong passion. While it’s not an easy language, the phonology, morphology, and syntax are all very fascinating; and learning Chinese is most definitely a worthwhile endeavor!