Taking Chinese classes at Bishop Noll Institute started three alums on an international journey that eventually took them to China.
Two members of the Noll class of 2014 interning in China this summer said their introduction to Chinese while in high school and inspiration from their Noll Chinese teacher, Julie Niu, helped make these opportunities possible.
Sienna Gonzalez, from East Chicago, is studying biology (pre-veterinarian) and Mandarin Chinese at Indiana University. For her internship at the Bifengxia Panda Breeding Research Center in the Ya'an Provence of Sichuan, China, she managed the nutrition and cleanliness of panda bears and recorded their behavior.
She worked with seven out of 30 bears at the site, which is one of only four panda bear conservation sites in China.
“The main panda bears I worked with were Yibao, a 1-year-old male, and Ying Hua, a mother of a 10-month-old cub … I enjoyed working with the panda bears. They are very sweet animals and very well trained to work with.
“I am currently studying to become an international veterinarian and knowing Chinese helped me the entire internship. My supervisors spoke Chinese and the panda bears only understood Chinese so I was able to use my Chinese knowledge in a professional work environment.”
Gonzalez began speaking Chinese at age 12 in the Bishop Noll Prep Academy, the former Bishop Noll middle school.
“The Chinese program at Bishop Noll has prepared me for my internship,” she said. “My instructor, Mrs. Niu, is one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had as a student.”
Following her internship, Gonzalez began to study year four Chinese at Minzu University in Beijing, China.
“If it wasn't for the Chinese Language program at Bishop Noll and Julie Niu I would not have been able to live my dream this summer. I encourage current and future Chinese language students to see there is more to Chinese than just the language,” she said.
“I am the first veterbrate international intern at my university so I encourage you to make new paths and follow your dreams.”
Daniel King, of Gary, attends Butler University where he has a double major in international business and Chinese language and culture.
This summer, he worked as a marketing and development intern for Connoisseur Group/ACC, a Luxury Brand Company in Shanghai, China.
“This experience has been amazing,” he said. “Being able to intern in China has solidified my dreams of someday living and working here. While the Chinese business environment is very different, I have been preparing for it since my days at Noll.”
He enjoyed using his Chinese communication skills in a new way.
“Being in China really helped with my listening comprehension, which made life at the office much easier. … If it wasn't for my Chinese language background that I received at Noll, I never would have pursued Chinese as a second major at Butler, and I wouldn't be in this position at all.”
He encourages anyone who is considering learning Chinese or any language to do it. “Learning Chinese has opened so many doors for me. Also, anyone who is considering studying/interning abroad, you should do it! It's definitely possible, and it really sets you apart in the eyes of any employer.”
Thomas Abbott, a 2013 Noll grad who interned in China last year, also encourages others to travel abroad.
“The things that I was able to witness and learn while in China will remain with me for my entire life. It was truly a life-changing opportunity and I am extremely glad and grateful that I was able to partake in this summer trip. Going abroad is a great chance to be on your own, which forces you to grow and adapt in many different ways.”
He said his studies at Noll and Valparaiso University paved the way.
“The solid foundation that I was able to build while in high school served as a launch pad for my Chinese studies in college, putting me ahead of my classmates especially in my speaking and writing skills,” he said. “My Chinese skills that I acquired at Bishop Noll were able to place me in an upper level Chinese class at Valpo my freshmen year, which really pushed me and greatly improved my Chinese.”
Abbott, a Whiting native and double major in electrical engineering and Chinese and Japanese studies, interned at Yu Yang King Technologies in Hangzhou, China.
“My favorite part of the internship was being able to converse with the other employees and learn about the office culture and business ideas of the Chinese … Overall, the internship was a very positive experience and I still keep in touch with some of the people I met at the company.”
Bishop Noll Institute will be starting its 96th school year in August. Families seeking information on applying for admission can learn more at www.bishopnoll.org or call (219) 932-9058.