Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a student at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, where I’ve spent the past few years exploring math, science, and Mandarin. I was born in the U.S., but I grew up speaking Chinese at home with my parents. Over time, I began to realize that Mandarin isn’t just a language; it’s a doorway into a way of thinking, a way of building, and a way of seeing the world in a different light.
This connection grew to be even stronger when I began learning about ancient Chinese architecture. There’s something powerful about the way those structures were designed; every beam and tile meant something. I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work, particularly when there’s a deeper meaning behind the structure. For me, it’s not just about buildings, but about values of harmony, patience, and precision, which are also reflected in the language and literature. These experiences are why I want to study structural engineering in college. I’ve been fascinated by how design intertwines with function and how the principles found in ancient buildings still serve as inspiration for modern buildings, which are both effective for their purpose and meaningful. I hope to apply that mindset to designing structures that are not only durable and efficient, but also rooted in cultural meaning.
This is what inspired me to co-create Bridge to Mandarin. I’ve been tutoring Mandarin students one-on-one, many of them in China, but I also want to bring that same kind of thoughtful learning to students here in the U.S., especially for kids who don’t have access to expensive programs or who are tired of learning through apps that don’t connect with them as individuals and as students.
Many say Mandarin is important because China is the world’s second-largest economy, but for me, it’s not just about economics. It’s also about the connection. My parents came to the U.S. and built a life here because they learned English. Now I want to give other families that same kind of bridge through Mandarin. Language helps us open doors to opportunities, understand where others are coming from, and see the world through new eyes.
That’s why I’m building this program for kids and families who believe in the power of language to shape opportunity. I hope you’ll join me on that journey!
Hi, I’m Sophia, and I’m one of the co-founders of Bridge to Mandarin! I co-founded this project because I believe language is more than simple memorization. It’s about connection, identity, and opportunity.
I’m a first-generation Chinese American, born and raised in New York City, and currently a senior at Stuyvesant High School. I’ve always loved art and storytelling, whether through drawing, design, or conversations. I’ve also spent the past few years volunteering as a Mandarin tutor for younger students and teaching English to children in China, as well as being a tutor for my underclass men. That’s when I realized how powerful language can be, not just for communication, but for confidence and belonging. Having grown up in a diverse, multicultural city, I’ve seen the way that language can foster unity and curiosity.
As a child, I often felt misunderstood or unheard, like my thoughts and emotions could never get through to others. Art became my first method of self-expression. But over time, I started using verbal language, both Mandarin and English, to advocate, connect, and support others who felt the same way I once did. As someone who struggled to learn Mandarin the conventional way, I also realized the importance of engaging content in making learning effective. Learning Mandarin has unlocked so many opportunities in my life and allowed me to create valuable friendships. Currently, I’m exploring ways to make an impact through various types of art and design, and I am hoping to reach more underserved communities through my work.
Bridge to Mandarin is my way of helping students build those same bridges-between cultures, between generations, and most importantly, within themselves. My goal isn’t just to teach a language, it’s to empower kids to recognize and embrace their identity.
