Yiwen Sun

Yiwen Sun – China, Full-Time MBA Class of 2025

Since childhood, I have been accustomed to navigating between different cultures. I was born into a family where one faction is a strong endorser of Western traditions while the other is a staunch advocate of Chinese heritage.

The seed of intercultural connectivity was planted within me at 7 (or earlier through travel) when I attended an Australian boarding primary school in Shanghai. Though my memories of that time are somewhat hazy, I remember how the boarding experience imbued me with a sense of independence and readiness to venture beyond the familiar home, traits that have stayed with me ever since.

I shortly resumed a conventional path similar to most other children, as my family also aimed to immerse me in Chinese education. However, an unexpected turn of events propelled me to proceed with this international journey in high school, where I followed the Canadian curriculum. With Canadian teachers instructing in Shanghai, I experienced a unique blend of safeness, cultural resonance and excitement for global exploration. This harmonious equilibrium allowed me to maintain a profound connection to my cultural roots and traditions while embracing the world’s diversity. The security and dauntlessness instilled in me along the way, coupled with my eagerness for new adventures, inspired my decision to pursue my undergraduate studies in the United States.

While in the U.S., I had the chance to explore the mosaic of Latin American countries. Enthralled by the shimmering pyramids of Chichen Itza, the vibrant streets of Cuba resonating with music and dance, the silent narratives of Machu Picchu’s Inca legacy, and the enigmatic Moáis standing tall on Isla de Pascua, the spark of curiosity led me to set out a journey to Spain, which has brought me here.

Looking back, my nature of curiosity and exploration have been vital in broadening my horizons and deepening my understanding. The rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives and insights that I have gathered throughout my journey, from studying in various educational systems to travelling across different continents, has intricately woven together, fostering my cultural versatility and openness to grow from diversity. They have moulded my identity and equipped me with a greater appreciation for the complexities of the world. I am deeply grateful for my family and the flourishing economy of my country in the era which made all these opportunities possible and I can’t wait to unearth more of the hidden gems of the globe.

As I reflect on my journey thus far, I realize that the invisible but essential qualities of adaptability and resilience have been the guiding forces shaping my path. These qualities, cultivated through my experiences of navigating between cultures and educational systems, have not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my understanding of the rich tapestry of humanity. With gratitude for the opportunities afforded to me by my family and the dynamic landscape of my country, I eagerly anticipate uncovering more of the hidden gems that await across the globe. In embracing the unknown with an open heart and a curious mind, I am reminded that it is not just the destinations we reach, but the journey itself, that moulds us into the individuals we are meant to become.