By Fatimata Ndiaye & Halie Best

In this week's, Where in the World is Miami Wednesday, we meet Zhuoran Bao, a sophomore Media & Culture and Interactive Media Studies double major from Shandong, China. As a member of the American Culture and English (ACE) Program, she was able to improve her English and adapt to a new environment in her first year at Miami. Zhuoran is also a part of the Global Buddies Program, which has helped her to ease into American culture and form strong friendships.

Zhuoran is involved with a variety of organizations on campus. Her participation with these organizations, combined with the valuable liberal arts-based education that she's receiving at Miami, have made her time at Miami a true American university experience. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi everyone! My name is Zhuoran Bao. I am a sophomore double majoring in Media & Culture and Interactive Media Studies. I come from Shandong, a northeastern Chinese city, also known as the hometown of Confucius.

How did you get to know about Miami University and what made you choose it?

I came to know Miami University from one of my friends. She is one year older than I am and she was a sophomore at Miami at that time. I did not get a high score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and I needed to study English more. My high school teacher then told me about the American Culture and English (ACE) program at Miami. I thought it would be a great way for me to improve my English and adapt to a new environment.

What has been your most memorable experience at Miami?

The most memorable experience for me was joining the Global Buddies Program. It was a good experience and an easier way to make American friends. In this program, I met my best friend Bernie. We hung out together, shared our cultural differences and even encouraged each other! It was so much fun to make friends who come from different culture backgrounds.

What has been the biggest difference between your home country and the U.S.?

Food is the biggest difference! During my first week, I only ate bread for all 3 meals because I missed food from back home. But now I am a super fan of cheese pizza!!!

What has been the biggest similarity between your home country and the U.S.?

People are all warmhearted, and love teaching others about their cultures.

What organizations are you involved with on campus, and why?

I am the President of the Lion Dance Club in the Confucius Institute, where we often receive performance invitations from other schools. In addition, I am a student worker in ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services). I was an iPOL (International Peer Orientation Leader) in the Spring 2019. Through this, I was able to help new international students adapt to their new environment. I also do a lot volunteer work in school to help serve our community.

What does Love & Honor mean to you?

For me, Love & Honor means helping others. We share our love by helping, which makes our communities better. I am very involved in campus activities, always seeking to land a helping hand. For example, through my work with ISSS, I translate university emails to Chinese and post them on WeChat. This is to help Chinese students understand the university's policies better and give them information about all the resources Miami offered.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love making friends and skateboarding. I really enjoy shopping with my girls and sharing our favorite fashion tips with each other. Skateboarding makes me feel relaxed and I love feeling the wind blow over my cheeks.

What is your favorite place to eat on campus?

Maplestreet Station is my favorite! There was a time they made roasted sweet potatoes and dumplings. I still remember how touched I was and felt like I was back in China.

How has Miami’s focus on a Liberal Arts-based education helped you?

I really enjoy taking liberal arts-based classes because it brings me to me new knowledge and helps me broaden my horizons.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing their education at Miami University?

Never be afraid of jumping outside of your comfort zone. You will have so much fun by learning different things!

 

Catch us next week as we continue to travel around the world to feature the amazing opportunities that Miami students are taking and the experiences our alumni have had since graduating!

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