A Trip to Beijing and Shanghai Illuminates Yale SOM’s Enduring Connection with China

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as an admissions officer at Yale SOM is the opportunity to travel and connect with our global community—alumni, current students, and prospective students. My recent trip to China was no exception. This summer, I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai, where I enjoyed meaningful interactions with inspiring people, delicious food, fragrant jasmine tea, and walks through buzzing Chinese cities that boast both modern skylines and centuries-old cultural treasures.

My love for traveling to faraway places and learning about different cultures began when I was a sophomore in college. As a first-generation college student going to school just 30 minutes from my hometown, I hadn’t seen much of the world beyond Ohio and its neighboring states. After I took a course about primary education in Japan, my professor presented me with an opportunity to spend the summer living with a host family in Sakata, Japan, and teaching English in Japanese middle schools.

It was one of those pivotal moments when you realize the value of being part of a community that gives you access to experiences you never considered, experiences you didn’t know you could consider. At Yale SOM, I frequently hear similar stories from our students—unexpected experiences, relationships, and career opportunities that only became possible because of the unique environment and support they found here.

That summer in Japan was transformative for me. It sparked a passion for culture and travel that has since taken me to 47 countries. Even though this was my third visit to China, the trip renewed the sense of wonder and curiosity that only travel can provide. When you’re in a foreign land, and you don’t speak the language, your senses are heightened. The smells, sounds, colors, and tastes become more vivid, and you’re compelled to observe and reflect in ways that aren’t possible in the comfort of your own home.

One early Friday morning in Beijing, I visited the Temple of Heaven, a national treasure built in the 15th century without the use of a single nail. As I walked through the surrounding park, I was captivated by the rhythms of daily life. I heard the chants and clapping that accompanied group calisthenics. I watched elderly men playing cards under a pergola near the rose garden, and women moving gracefully to music as they practiced tai chi beneath willow-like branches. One of my favorite experiences at the temple was hearing children practice their English by throwing a shy “Hello!” in my direction, often followed by a giggle.

A few days later, I ventured to the Yuyuan Bazaar in Shanghai, a place where the past and present coexist in a fascinating blend. The rich colors and traditional architecture of ancient China surrounded me, while the skyscrapers of modern Shanghai loomed large just blocks from the bazaar. The bustling atmosphere, the aromas of street food, the beauty of the tea house, and the iconic nine-bend bridge all contributed to its charm—and, of course, the shopping didn’t hurt either!

These cultural experiences bookended the primary purpose of my trip—recruiting top talent from China and honoring the longstanding relationship between Yale and China. Over three days, I hosted five events for prospective students in Beijing and Shanghai.

I spent a day at the Yale Center Beijing, an intellectual hub located in the IFC building. There, I had the privilege of signing a tribute wall celebrating the center’s 10th anniversary and viewing a mural celebrating Yale’s relationship with China, a connection that dates back to the 1800s. One highlight of my visit was the experience of hosting a panel discussion with four current MBA students and alumnae. Attended by a live audience at the center and over 8,000 virtual viewers, the event covered a wide range of topics, including the factors that initially drew panelists to apply to SOM, can’t-miss classes like one taught by former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo, and the opportunity to travel with peers to Kenya, India, and many other places. The panelists also spoke about the defining characteristics of the SOM community and the power of the Yale network. (A recording of the event is available to watch.)

Following the events in Beijing, I traveled to Shanghai, where I was greeted by even larger audiences at two standing-room-only events. The first was an MBA panel discussion featuring five impressive students and recent alumni. The second focused on the Master’s in Asset Management program, a specialized degree now in its third year and attracting significant interest in China. As a member of the MBA Admissions Committee, I was fascinated by the panelists’ insights, particularly regarding David Swensen’s “Yale Model” of endowment investing and SOM Professor Bryan Kelly’s current research. I also had the chance to hear about esteemed speakers in the Asset Management program’s Colloquium series, including Mark Carhart and Carlos Reyes.

As I reflect on my experience in China, I’m reminded not only of why I love what I do and how lucky I am to do it, but also of the enduring and important connection between Yale and China. The trip was both an opportunity to connect with talented prospective students and a chance to engage with a community that is committed to our shared future.