The Explorer Vol.3 Issue 2: One World, Many Cultures

THE

EXPLORER

ONE WORLD, MANY CULTURES MY GREEK ADVENTURES

THE BARRIER BETWEEN US

CHINA AS A SECOND HOME

CONTENTS pg.2 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

ISSUE THEME: ONE WORLD, MANY CULTURES

A thank you for reading. What is The Explorer? What does this magazine cover?

What is the theme for this issue? How did we explore the theme? What did we ask?

pg.3

pg.5

EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE US AND CHINA

THE BARRIER BETWEEN US

Reflections from Zetong

Reflections from Clemence

pg.7

pg.9

ITALIAN AND AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE AND CUISINE

MY GREEK ADVENTURES Reflections from Joshua

Reflections from Alex

pg.13

CHINA AS A SECOND HOME

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Reflections from Angelina

accepting ideas for the next issue’s theme.

pg.14

pg.15

IN CLOSING

IMAGE CREDITS

contributors that make Explorer possible.

citations for all images used in this issue.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 1

pg.11

EDITOR'S NOTE

OUR THEME: ONE WORLD, MANY CULTURES The Theme The Explorer began its third volume by sharing new multicultural perspectives through interviews with students and figures from more than ten countries. In the Winter Issue (Issue #2), we looked inward to see what unique perspectives our own members have gained through their upbringing, travel, and personal connections. We are proud to present 6 personal reflections on cross-cultural experiences in our new theme: “One World, Many Cultures.”

This volume showcases the similarities and differences between cultures in an effort to expand our perspectives and understanding of others. Through personal reflections, we also aim to showcase how multiple cultural connections and experiences can be present in one individual.

The Purpose THE EXPLORER | PAGE 2

The Explorer's mission is to explore various topics that connect all of humanity regardless of culture, border, or age. The articles shared in this magazine reflect a snapshot of the writers at a certain time, aggregating their stories and perspectives from around the world. We hope that as you read this issue, you take a moment to reflect on your own experiences, and think on the things that all of us around the world have in common.

David Cao Project Manager & Editor Brian Zhou, Editor-in-chief

Zetong’s Reflection

EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE US AND CHINA As an essential stage in most people’s lives, education has always been considered one of the most important factors in shaping a person. Differences in education can greatly influence a person's growth as well as the development of society. Having experienced education in both China and the United States, I get an opportunity to understand how education and culture influence each other in the vastly different teaching and learning systems of these two countries.

Differences in the way curriculum is organized and class sizes exemplify differences between education in the two nations. Chinese schools have fixed classes with about 60 students in a class.

Everyone learns the same curriculum, so classmates do not change over the years of high school.

In contrast, classes in the U.S. change depending on the courses each student chooses, and there are only about 15 students in a class.

This also leads to a huge difference in teaching styles: since it is difficult for the teacher to complete the teaching task and pay attention to each student in one class, there are fewer opportunities for students to interact with the teacher individually in a Chinese classroom, and students need to be quiet and disciplined in order to minimize the chaos of a large crowd.

On the other hand, the U.S. classroom is relatively freer, with more students interacting with each other. Because of this, American students are more willing to boldly express their ideas or ask questions directly in class; they are also more willing to communicate with their teachers after class, and even treat their teachers as friends. However, this is often not the case in Chinese schools. Most Chinese students are quiet and spend most of their time listening to the class and taking notes, rarely willing to ask questions or interact with the teacher.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 3

(“A 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM”)

Zetong’s Reflection My own experience as an international high school student is a good example of this. Due to the unfamiliar environment, language, and past habits, I had a very low presence in the classroom during my first year. I was silent most of the time because I was afraid that I would ask stupid questions, give unreasonable answers, or not be able to express my true thoughts in English. But through these two years of struggles, I overcame my nervousness and discomfort. Now I am more accustomed to a relaxed and casual classroom, and I am more willing to ask questions directly instead of asking my Chinese-speaking classmates after class.

Nonetheless, I have to admit that China's intense education culture has produced a large number of scholars who have good study habits and efficient study methods, which have helped them excel in their subsequent studies and work. But Chinese students have no choice. The great competitive pressure brought by the huge population makes the competition of the college entrance examination as difficult as a thousand horses crossing a one-wood bridge, so only this kind of education can give the children a way out. All in all, I hope that my experiences will not only highlight the cultural differences between Chinese and American education, but more importantly, demonstrate that different cultures need to be understood and respected.

(“FLAGS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA”)

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 4

Another big difference is the focus on different areas of education. In China, you only have one chance in life to take the college entrance exam, so it's all or nothing. And because of the huge population base, you have millions of competitors in this one college entrance exam, while the good universities will only accept a few tens of thousands or less. This means that if you don't study very hard for this one chance, you will lose the chance to go to a good university, or even the chance to find a job later on. That's why learning is king in Chinese high schools, and the only thing that everyone does in high school is study.

However, in the United States, if you want to get into a good college, you need to stand out not only for your studies, but also for your overall development. So, when I first came to the U.S. I was overwhelmed by how much I had to do and thought that it would be much better if I could just study and do my homework.

Clemence’s Reflection

THE BARRIER BETWEEN US Every country’s history and culture is unique. They all have different people, geographical features, religions, arts, sciences, and much more that make every country special. As much as these societal aspects can bring a country together, it can cause culture gaps between two or more countries. In my experience of being a first generation Asian American, I always feel a sense of isolation within my family.

According to a report or release from the St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) Health system, a language barrier is common within the community of first generation American-born citizens and their parents.

It is faster for children to learn a new language and sometimes these children only speak English, causing a disconnection between the child and parents. In my experience, I am extremely fortunate to be able to grow up knowing Chinese.

My parents always speak Chinese in the house and I am very lucky to be able to understand such a unique language.

Chinese and English are vastly different languages, as Chinese follows a logographic writing system whereas English is an alphabetical language. English has only 26 letters in the alphabet, while Chinese consists of tens of thousands of characters, each with a different meaning and spelling. Although English and Chinese have five vowels each, the five Chinese vowels have different intonations.

Different tonal sounds make Chinese significantly harder to learn compared to English, and a very complex language.

(“POEM IN CURSIVE SCRIPT”)

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 5

(“LANGUAGE SYMBOLS”)

Clemence’s Reflection My extended family members all live in China, creating a physical distance that puts pressure on the language barrier.

Many of my American friends have cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents they can visit in the U.S. because they live very closely, which makes me jealous. I do not have the luxury of visiting grandparents or cousins as I please, because they live all the way from the other side of America. This can lead to me feeling secluded and isolated from them because of the culture clashes and time zones.

Despite these setbacks, I am very grateful to have friends who are also first generation Asian Americans, who share the same experience as I do, and who understand the struggles we face. With my friends, I feel a sense of community with my culture and ethnicity. I am reminded of the fact that I am not alone being an Asian American and that I have a place in a community with people who are like me.

Most importantly, everybody’s experience of culture is different. They either embrace it, or are disconnected from it. No matter the circumstance, it is always important to respect everyone for their identity and backgrounds.

Although I can understand Chinese, my literacy is very poor, which causes lots of problems between me and my family members in China. I cannot communicate properly without the help of a translator through text and I can only understand what my family says through calls. My family members always seem disappointed with my poor language skills, because I cannot read or write to a proficient level.

The language barrier made me feel like a foreigner within my ethnicity.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 6

(“ARTISTIC REPRESENTATION OF LANGUAGE BARRIERS”)

alex’s Reflection

Italian and American Architecture and Cuisine Traveling to a foreign place allows people to experience perspectives and be immersed in a different culture. Although experiencing a new culture can be shocking at first, it can provide several benefits such as learning about new perspectives and personal growth. One culture that I recently experienced as a traveler was that of Italy, a country filled with a blend of diverse traditions and values. Coming from America, I was able to experience a new and extremely different culture from the one I was familiar with.

(“ITALIAN FLAG AND MAP”)

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 7

A huge difference between American and Italian society is their architecture. Rome is filled with ancient buildings and landmarks. These buildings and landmarks are extremely impressive and made me finally appreciate the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Additionally, the cobblestone roads and surrounding landmarks make you feel like you are experiencing history. Although America has notable landmarks and architecture, Rome’s architecture shows how modern Italian life is deeply rooted in its rich past, providing a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations.

Another difference I found between American and Italian culture was in their cuisine. American cuisine is a melting pot of food cultures with international influences from Mexico, China, to even France.

Additionally, fast food has become a staple of American culture with items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries being a quick and easy meal option. Italian cuisine mostly focuses on fresh Italian food with staples such as pizza, pasta, and seafood.

Additionally, Italian food culture focuses on sitting down at a restaurant for lengthy meals rather than ordering through a drivethru window. Both American and Italian cuisine is rich in many foods that reflect the unique histories for both countries.

alex’s Reflection Although American and Italian architecture and food cuisine are different, the two cultures have many similarities. Both Italian and American culture focus on the importance of family and social connections. Italians cherish family gatherings with meals as a centerpiece for bonding, while Americans celebrate holidays and special occasions with their families with shared meals as well. Also, Americans and Italians have an appreciation for art. Italy’s Renaissance period birthed some of the most famous artworks in history, while America has become a key player in modern art and movies. These similarities create a bridge of connection and understanding between both vibrant cultures.

American and Italian culture have their differences and similarities, from architecture and food to family traditions and an appreciation for art. Comparing these cultures allows people to gain a deeper appreciation for the distinct qualities of each culture and, also, allows them to realize the connections between them as well. Ultimately, it is in the exploration and appreciation of both the differences and commonalities that a rich tapestry of cultural understanding and harmony can be woven.

(“FAMILY IS IMPORTANT TO BOTH ITALIANS AND AMERICANS”)

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 8

(“PAINTED BY AN ITALIAN ARTIST, THE MONA LISA IS ENJOYED BY AMERICANS AS WELL”)

Joshua’s reflections

My Greek Adventures Greece is a country that sits on the southernmost point of the Balkan Peninsula, about 5000 miles away from my home state of Virginia. Because of this distance in length and the difference in history between them, the two countries have very different cultures. As an American-born Chinese, I went to Greece last winter break and learned a lot about the differences between American and Greek culture.

The differences hit me the very first day when I went to the mall. Instead of walking into an indoor or strip mall, I visited a network of pedestrian roads with shops lining either side. This contrasts my regular experience of going to a mall in the States, where I can expect a single building or just go shopping online. Even in larger American cities, while the downtown areas might have shops lining either side, they often still have larger roads between them because we built American cities for cars, not pedestrians.

Another place I noticed the difference between American and Greek culture was in the cuisine. The Greek cuisine I tasted strongly emphasized being made from scratch. In addition, while the dishes I had varied depending on the restaurant, they all felt related in some way, unlike in American cuisine where the food I see every day in Northern Virginia is from many other cuisines. In addition, the culture around eating was very different.

Some people took food on the go, especially in the mornings. However, a majority of the people that we saw would sit down with others and talk during lunch and dinner, which is a far cry from the fastpaced life in America. Even at home, I rarely sit down with my family during lunch or breakfast because everybody is too busy with something else.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 9

(“GREEK FLAG AT THE CHURCH NEAR RED BEACH” )

Joshua’s reflections The last difference I observed was the rich history of Greece. During the trip, I visited the monasteries at Kalabaka. When I went, we were told about the long history, whether it be about how the first monks went up into the mountains to escape persecution or how they finally opened them to the public after centuries of isolation. The same thing happened when I was at the Acropolis, where I learned about the history of its building from centuries ago to its status as a monument today. On the contrary, when I went to the American History Museum, many of the exhibits pertained to our history, but I realized that they were showing off events that took place in a relatively short period.

While the Greek culture and history I experienced at Kalabaka and the Acropolis had existed for thousands of years, much of the emphasis of the history I viewed at the American History Museum was around the last 300 years.

Greek and American cultures are very different, from the cuisines and the culture around eating to the history I saw or the way that people built cities. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Greek culture and the differences it had from what I was typically used to seeing at home. In the future, I hope I can visit another country and continue to further my understanding of other cultures.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 10

(“SUNSET AT LYCABETTUS HILL”)

(“MOUNTAINS AT KALABAKA ”)

Angelina’s reflections

China as a Second Home Home is where one lives permanently, where one leaves and returns to everyday, and where one invites others over for dinner. Home is also "where the heart is," a common expression that reveals home is also the place that houses an individual’s affection and sentimental value.

Home is also a place that fills with the smells of family recipes as guests get a taste of a different culture unique to that family. “Would you like to come over to China for dinner?”

People close their eyes and let out a sigh of satisfaction when they eat something delicious. I do this occasionally, when I eat the first bite of my mom’s —Ma La Xiang Guo—Imagining I am in an entirely different “home,” on the other side of the world. In the summer of 2019, I followed my parents, marveling at the world before me, happily roaming the lively streets of China, somewhere that was completely foreign to me having been there only once as a young child. If there’s one thing that stands out about China compared to the U.S., it’s the boundless streets of vibrant cuisine. Savory skewers, pan-fried dumplings, chewy yet dense rice balls filled with liquid sugar that melts in my mouth.

My parents took me to the most populated streets, overcrowded with vendors, performers, and groups of middle-aged women getting their steps in to upbeat pop songs. Though being accustomed to the nightlife in the U.S., I had hardly ever seen anything as lively as the nightlife in China. Less than a few feet away, vendors lined up beside each other, leading so far down what seemed like an endless void. I was greeted by a vendor selling spicy squid skewers fresh off the grill, one of the numerous vendors that did so. The fragrant smoke coming off all the grills combined, dispersed into the air, as well as into my face, and blasted me with a powerful aroma with hints of chili powder, black pepper, and that charred coal scent everyone loves. I never wanted to leave; anyone who got to experience that exact moment wouldn’t want to either.

麻辣香锅

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 11

(“MA LA XIANG GUO”)

Angelina’s reflections The vibrant decor of red ribbons, yellow garlands, and polychromatic LED lights strung around carts and roofs of dark buildings. The bustling atmosphere of people ranging from elderly grandmas and grandpas to young toddlers, running loose, the resonance of traditional Chinese instrumentals interfused with the modern, fast-paced C-Pop playing in the background. If you were to ask me to name a more memorable moment than that, I wouldn’t have been capable of doing so – even now.

Though I sometimes wish I lived somewhere else, like in China, where the nightlife is unlike anywhere else, my heart lies within the calm suburbs of Northern Virginia. My home is the place I leave and come back to every day. It’s the place where my friends and relatives come over for dinner. I know my town like the back of my hand; the quickest route to the nearest Costco, the best coffee shops to stop by on an afternoon out, or the public library hours—I know it all. My town is where I am the most comfortable.

(“WANGFUJING SNACK STREET”)

The minute I was born, my heart was set in place, engraved into the ground I walk on every day. I could leave for years, having started a new life somewhere as close as New York, or as far as Seattle, and I could come back as if I never left. I’ll always have a spot in my heart for both the vibrant land of my ancestors and the country I grew up in, for my heart cherishes both these places I feel comfortable referring to as “home.”

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 12

(“MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS IN WOLF TRAP, VA”)

Call For Submissions Issue 3: Your Choice!

We have covered various themes, from Growing Up to Coming of Age to Finding Similarities in Our Differences, and now One World, Many Cultures. This time around, we invite YOU to provide any suggestions for the themes of future issues! If you would like a certain theme to be addressed on a future issue or if you have any questions, feel free to email theexplorer@velbranchout.org. Once the theme is decided, we will notify everyone on the BranchOut! Explorer Magazine website: https://www.velbranchout.org/explorer.

Some potential ideas include: How do you define success?

What is the benefit of making a mistake? How have you grown from failure?

What is something you are passionate about? How did you find that passion?

Where you will be in the future?

How you will shape the world?

Who has shaped you as a person? What did you learn from them?

Submission Guidelines Submission Requirements: Please email theexplorer@velbranchout.org with a heads up if you are working on a work for the Explorer. We would love to discuss what you are writing with you and are open to reading your works if you encounter roadblocks.

Your writing should be 1000 - 1500 words for long-form content. Short-form articles of 600-800 words are also accepted.

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 13

Deadlines: For Issue 3, the deadline for the final submission of completed work is before midnight EST on June 20th, 2024.

We accept case-by-case submissions after the deadline. If this applies to you or you anticipate needing an extension, email us at theexplorer@velbranchout.org Email all final submissions to theexplorer@velbranchout.org

IN CLOSING The Contributors THE EXPLORER LEADERS Editor: David Cao, 12th grader at Thomas Jefferson HS, United States Editor-in-chief: Brian Zhou, 12th grader at Thomas Jefferson HS, United States Project Manager: Ms. Sarah Coady, BranchOut! Adult Leader

TEAM MEMBERS - “SCHOOL-YEAR TEAM” Journalism: Alex Gan, Angelina Si, Clemence Zou, Joshua Cheng, Zetong Bian Publication: Angelina Si, Claire Lee, Clemence Zou, Jamie Chang, Joshua Cheng, Michelle Ma, Stephen Lin, Zetong Bian

TEAM MEMBERS - SUMMER 2023 Journalism Lead: Kai Bian, 12th grader at McLean HS, United States US Journalism Lead: David Sheng, 11th grader at McLean HS, United States CA Journalism Lead: Sophia Wang, sophomore at UToronto, Canada CN Journalism Lead: Andrea Ma, China Managing Editor: Phoebe Wang, 11th grader at Dominion HS, United States THE EXPLORER | PAGE 14

Director of Outreach: Emma Song, college freshman Assistant Director: Rachel Ni, 12th grader at Centennial HS, United States Assistant Director: Sophie Zhang, 11th grader at McLean HS, United States

Image Credits

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 15

1. “The 21st Century Classroom” William Home, 2015, https://images.app.goo.gl/PaRtja73UJiVmmmY9. Accessed 6 March 2024.

2. “American Chinese windy day flags fly together on flagpole” cbarnesphotography, 17 March 2016, https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/american-chinese-windy-dayflags-fly-together-on-flagpole-gm515912196-88736105. Accessed 14 March 2024.

3. “Icon of Language Sign” Mangostar Studio, https://www.canva.com/icons/MAF2E4g82lw/. Accessed 6 March 2024.

4. “Poem in cursive script” Freer Gallery of Art Collection, https://asiaarchive.si.edu/object/F1988.7/. Accessed 6 March 2024.

5. “Language Barriers” Roche Du Preez, 24 May 2019, https://physio.uwc.ac.za/pht402/2019/05/24/language-barriers/.

Accessed 6 March 2024.

6. “Italy Map” DAPA Images, https://www.canva.com/icons/MADVnvfZvSc/. Accessed 6 March 2024.

7. “Da Vinci: Mona Lisa. Oil on wood by Leonardo da Vinci, c1503-06” Granger Historical Picture Archive, https://www.granger.com/results.asp? image=0032435&itemw=4&itemf=0001&itemstep=1&itemx=1.

Accessed 6 March 2024.

8. “Happy Family” Zurijeta, https://www.canva.com/photos/MABlBJSRVs/. Accessed 6 March 2024.

9. “Greek Flag at the Church Near the Red Beach” Joshua Cheng, 22 Dec. 2022 1 0 .“ M o u n t a i n s a t K a l a m b a k a ” J o s h u a C h e n g , 2 4 D e c . 2 0 2 2 1 1 .“ S u n s e t a t L y c a b e t t u s H i l l ” J o s h u a C h e n g , 2 5 D e c . 2 0 2 2 12. “MA LA XIANG GUO” The Woks of Life: A Culinary Genealogy, 28 Sept. 2020, https://thewoksoflife.com/ma-la-xiang-guo/. Accessed 16 March 2024.

13. “Wangfujing Snack Street” GuidePal, 1 Nov. 2016, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel//wangfujing-snackstreet/articleshow/44858482.cms. Accessed 16 March 2024.

14. “Meadowlark Botanical Gardens” Visit NoVA, https://www.northernva.org/image-gallery/. Accessed 16 March 2024.

BRANCHOUT! BranchOut! is a youth community outreach program based in the Washington DC metropolitan area founded in 2015 that sponsors The Explorer. It was founded to answer the call to action by former Dean Jim Ryan of the Harvard Graduate School of Education in late 2015. Our founder, HGSE graduate Dr. Wu, answered the call to action. In a few short months, BranchOut! was created to bridge achievement and cultural gaps in the current system.

While the program began in two states with 20 students, it has since branched out to more than 150 mentors annually with volunteers from all around the United States and the world. Over the years, BranchOut! expanded to provide targeted educational services at credit recovery programs in multiple counties and states, create software to meet academic needs, and build societal awareness of modern issues through research and journalism.

Currently, BranchOut! mentors continue to volunteer at credit recovery programs, promote STEM outreach to a K-8 audience, host career/college fairs, and share the stories of teens from around the world. BranchOut! continues to develop software, with projects aiming to connect the AAPI community against the rise of anti-Asian hate and uplifting mental health.

At BranchOut!, learning is two-sided; mentors gain experience in branching out and taking the initiative to lead. Current and former mentors credit BranchOut! as the first place where they learned to take the initiative.

velbranchout.org Apply for our Summer2024 programs now at: velbranchout.org/apply

THE EXPLORER | PAGE 16

BranchOut!'s programs have been recognized by multiple congress members and have won the Congressional App Challenge for its work in promoting education accessibility through technology.