Anna Friedland ‘21, now Vanderbilt ‘25, credits her Chinese language journey at Calhoun with shaping her future. Double majoring in human and organizational development and film with a minor in Chinese, Anna recalls her Chinese studies as “the hardest challenge I’ve conquered, and Calhoun really prepared me.” Thanks to Calhoun teachers who brought Chinese culture to life through activities such as dumpling-making, cultural presentations and Chinatown trips, she was ready to thrive.

Anna also looks back fondly on her Calhoun trip to China as a key moment in her educational experience. “When I was 14, I went on a school trip to China, where I immersed myself in the culture and got to meet our Chinese class pen pals—who we had been writing letters to since 6th grade!”