Project Exhibition: CHIN 243 Final Project Jackie Crowley 1.0, Jackie Crowley

PROJECT NAME
CHIN 243 Final Project Jackie Crowley 1.0, 最终项目程德福1.0 (Zuìzhōng xiàngmù chéngdéfú 1.0)

STUDENT
Jackie Crowley, 程德福 (Chéng Défú), He/him

  • 2nd year
  • Faculty of Science, Majoring in Cognitive Systems
  • Courses: CHIN 241, CHIN 243

 

INTERVIEW


Q1: In what ways has this project, and CHIN243 in general, strengthened your relationship with your heritage and self-identity?

CHIN 243 (and CHIN 241) were the first courses I had ever taken that surrounded me with students who shared similar struggles with identity and culture as me. I had never been in an environment that actively helped me question the construct of identity and the labels the world had put on me since birth. This course helped me really look at who I was, through my own eyes and not the eyes of others. I was able to gain language skills that supported my reconnection with my heritage and culture, as well as come to the realization that my identity may not be that of my parents’ generation, but a new mixed-race identity altogether. This project gave me a personal way to creatively showcase the deep learning I experienced about myself and my relationship with my culture.


Q2: How did you decide on the theme you chose for this final project and what was the most challenging part of completing this project?

The theme I chose came about quite naturally. I knew I wanted to talk about the struggles of being a mixed-race individual. The dichotomy of never fitting in either category yet having to perfectly represent both is a very personal thing I have always faced and wanted to highlight. The conclusion I came to, however, was really unexpected and it was something that I had never thought of before. Seeing my mixed-race identity as not just a blessing to embrace, but a superpower to help others is a perspective I never had until I completed this project. The most challenging part of this project was editing it to fit the time constraints. I wish I could’ve included much more.


Q3: If you could go back in time and give some advice to yourself who is entering 200 level Chinese, what is something you would tell to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to really be grateful for this opportunity. Connecting with your culture and taking a course that not only helps my Chinese language skills but also helps me connect with my heritage is an immense blessing. I would tell myself to make the most of this course and connect with more of my peers.


Q4: How do you plan on expanding your Mandarin learning journey in the future?

I plan on continuing to advance my Mandarin and helping my family members to gain a deeper appreciation of their identity as well. I will hold my head high around others who try to label me and embrace the fact that I don’t fit in their binary definitions. Most importantly, I will call my family more back in China, and continue to reconnect with those from my hometown.