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My name is Fangyan Zhang, and I am a first-year student at Duke Kunshan University from Anhui Province, China. I deeply appreciate Chinese traditional culture, particularly through my involvement in the Chinese Folk Music Club as a guzheng performer. Playing this traditional Chinese instrument has been a meaningful part of my life for years, teaching me patience, focus, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. My passion for Chinese folk music has also inspired me to explore the beauty of other cultures, and I enjoy building relationships that foster understanding and collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds. Alongside this, as a member of DKU Medical Responders, I provide medical care during school sports events and take shifts to support the well-being of the community. This role has strengthened my sense of responsibility, quick decision-making, and empathy, reinforcing my commitment to helping others. I am applying for the Co-Chair position on the Student Leaders Board with my international peer because I see it as a chance to contribute to the DKU community through initiative and leadership. This position aligns with my belief that students need strong representatives to voice their thoughts and concerns. I aim to ensure that students feel heard and supported while helping the administration better understand their needs. I also see this as an opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a stronger community. If selected, I will focus on strengthening the connection between students and the school while fostering intercultural communication. By celebrating diverse cultures and creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges, I hope to encourage a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. Together with the Student Leaders Board, I will work to co-create initiatives, foster dialogue, and build a vibrant DKU community.
Coming from the vibrant city of Lahore, Pakistan, I have found myself in the heart of a diverse and spirited student body at Duke Kunshan University. As a rising first-year student majoring in Data Science, I’ve been immersed and engaged with all that DKU has to offer. Believing in collaboration, I joined the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Office of Communications. My journey, defined by countless profound interactions, has only fueled my desire to amplify and curate a more inclusive community. To this end, the Student Leadership Board provides the ideal platform to promote advocacy, engagement, and innovation. Through it, I aim to lead DKU and its students to greater success and recognition. Student representation is central to my vision. Not only will I advocate for stronger first-year student involvement in residence life and campus engagement but also ensure that all student voices are heard. Whether it be through Chats over Chai or formal board meetings, by enhancing communication between students and administration, I aim to create a campus where everyone feels empowered to shape their experience. I also aim to expand DKU’s presence in international forums by encouraging student engagement in global discussions. I will actively facilitate DKU’s participation in forums like the UN Youth Forum, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), and the Global Sustainable Development Congress, showcasing DKU’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. I am committed to expanding innovation platforms like the DKU Innovation Incubator (Dii) to foster creativity and entrepreneurship. I also plan to overhaul the university’s communication efforts by showcasing student achievements and inspiring a culture of academic excellence and innovation. With the initiative, the ability to engage with peers, and a passion for positive change, I am confident I can contribute significantly to the Board’s mission of enhancing student life at DKU.
