Faculty Spotlight: 
Dr. Yan Wang, Mandarin 

PRINCIPIA’S NEW MANDARIN TEACHER YAN WANG IS A STANDOUT EDUCATOR WHO JOINED THE SCHOOL THIS SCHOOL YEAR—a native of China who came to the U.S. on a Fulbright Scholarship, earned her doctorate at the University of Kentucky, then came to Principia. She joined the Purpose to tell us more. 

 

Where did you grow up? 

I was born and grew up in China’s Hunan Province. 

 

What brought you to St. Louis? 

I came to St. Louis for Principia, but I heard many good things about St. Louis and had visited it before. 

 

What drew you to Principia? 

I was drawn to Principia because of its core value of LOVE: Limitless potential; Overcoming obstacles; Valuing God, ourselves, and others; Embracing excellence. 

 

Why is it important that students learn Mandarin? 

Mandarin is spoken by a quarter of the world population. China is playing an increasingly important role in the world economy now and in the future. Knowing Mandarin and understanding its culture, which differs greatly from American and other western cultures, will help students effectively engage and participate globally, if we are cultivating future-ready citizens. Mandarin and Chinese culture offers students a different perspective to understand the world. 

 

What changes or new opportunities would you like to bring to the program? 

I want to create and lead an educational trip to China that offers students an immersive experience and the opportunity to see China and its diverse cultures through their own eyes. 

 

If there’s one takeaway every student could take from your classes, what would it be? 

Chinese culture is so rich and fluid.