Surprises in extracurricular classes

Zhejiang University offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations for students to explore their interests. After joining and leaving several, including the Zhejiang University Film Association, ZJU Global, and some news-promotion groups, I became intrigued by a club called Cultural China. I filled out a thick registration form, went through three rounds of interviews, and finally became a member.

For many, the dilemma is that this organization also holds its own classes on weekends, which means the days previously reserved for sleeping in are now filled with coursework. Despite my initial reluctance, I attended the first class—Sino-American Political Relations—with an open mind, not expecting much. To my surprise, it was completely eye-opening.

The instructor, Professor Yin Xiaohuang, is a Harvard Ph.D., a Changjiang Scholar, Dean of the School of Advanced Translation at Xi’an International Studies University, a tenured professor at the American Western College, and an executive director of the China Overseas Friendship Association. Despite his many prestigious titles, he was approachable and down-to-earth, like a friend. He began with modern history, presenting familiar historical periods from a full English perspective and rich international context.

Professor Yin spoke so eloquently that we were completely immersed in the class, forgetting everything else—before we knew it, both the afternoon and evening had passed in his lecture. My view of Cultural China courses completely changed. Despite the seemingly dry course titles, everything became vivid and engaging under the guidance of renowned experts.

Now, I’m already looking forward to next week’s class. I can’t wait to see what other surprises Cultural China and other organizations at Zhejiang University have in store!