Student Spotlight, May 2018

Name: Connor McNary

Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit

School:
Upper Arlington High School 18′
Indiana University (Bloomington) 22′

Grade: 12

Hobbies: Running, Reading, Listening To Music, Studying Chinese

When you started studying at CSC: On and off since 2010

Why you are studying Chinese:
Stumbling across Mandarin at just 12 years of age ingrained a seed of curiosity deep into my psyche. I was enticed by the idea of being able to communicate in, and navigate through, a culture so dissimilar to my own. My passion for learning the language was sparked during a five-day class trip to Flushing, NY. Flushing is heavily populated with native Mandarin speakers. I built up my confidence and began conversing with native Mandarin speakers. I felt like a toddler in a toy store. Navigating through hustle and bustle in a place so unfamiliar was invigorating. The dazzling neon signs, hectic streets, and exotic smells created the optimum amount of stimulation for my overzealous brain. It was during this trip I decided I would pursue Chinese through college.

Chinese study goals:
During the next four years of my life I am planning a dual major in International Business and Mandarin Chinese at Indiana University. I plan on participating in a study abroad, as well as joining a few Mandarin oriented clubs. After college, I hope to find a job that allows for me to exercise my Chinese skills, as well as entertain my passion for business.

Chinese speaking script:
大家好！我叫康康，我今年十八岁。我住在俄亥俄州，哥伦布。我学了六年中文。我学中文因为我觉得中国文化很有意思。我没去过中国，但是我很想去。课外的时间，我喜欢看书和听音乐，我也喜欢跟家人在一起。天气好的时候，我喜欢骑车和跑步。今年夏天我打算在lachat工作。明年我要在印第安纳大学学中文和商务。我很想去中国留学。谢谢！