Zixuan Liu

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

I really enjoy the community that studying Chinese provides. All the teachers were supportive and there when we needed them, and it’s always such a joy to see them outside of the classroom too. I especially enjoyed the moments on topics outside the curriculum, from the most recent movie to the local news. Each of these moments allowed me to dive directly into the culture, which was especially meaningful as a heritage learner.

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

There have been moments when I had to explain my technical work to others, although at a very high level, but the confidence and practice gained while taking Chinese at MIT really helped facilitate these conversations. The skills I gained also helped to broaden the connection between me and other Chinese-speaking colleagues and co-workers.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

It’s always valuable being able to perceive the world through different perspectives. This allows us to better understand why things are the way they are and join new communities. When I went to Taiwan during the Global Classrooms program, I was able to use the language skills I gained to communicate with locals, whether ordering breakfast from the food cart or speaking with the university manager. These different connections, and especially the way that I am able to directly communicate them without needing a translator made these experiences so much more enjoyable, and continuously inspires me to study language.

What are your plans for the future?

I am hoping to pursue a PhD in bioengineering or biology after graduation and continue to do research!