Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2020 graduating seniors over the coming days. Li also appeared in UConn Today’s feature about graduating seniors.

Major: Elementary Education

Extracurriculars: International Student Advisory Board, student chair; Math Motivators, founder; First-Year Experience Program, mentor; Teacher Education Student Association, member; UConn Collaborative Organizing, member; Leadership Certificate Series, member; UConn Orientation Services, International Orientation Ambassador, office staff; Campus Big Buddies, member; Community Outreach, member.

Hometown: Kunming, China

What do you aspire to be? I am eager to be an educator who addresses and solves problems in the field of education. My professional goal is to explore the relationship between math education and creativity as well as develop a math teaching model where students emerge in both high levels of fundamental math achievement and creativity. I experienced both Chinese and American math teaching styles. Having heard people arguing that Chinese students show their strength in math skills but paucity in creativity compared to American students triggered me to think about why countries implement disparate education systems. Since it is ambiguous to tell which one would be exactly more beneficial to students, attempting to combine these two styles together, I think, would be a lead in the future.

Who is your favorite professor? It is hard to pick the most favorite one but Joseph Dean is the most special one for me. I was lucky to have him as my instructor for Multicultural Education in my junior year. He created a safe space to allow his students to have open conversations and discussions of diversity-related topics. He is the first one who introduced and inspired me to be a multicultural educator.

“I cannot be who I am right now without UConn. I have taken classes in various content areas to broaden my understanding of the world around me.”

What did you accomplish that you’re most proud of? I am proud of getting into the Neag School of Education and continuing fulfilling my dream to be an educator. As an international student, sometimes I felt defeated and doubted if I should keep doing the education due to language barriers and culture shock. Fortunately, the strong and firm support from my instructors and friends convinces me of realizing my dream even though the whole process of discovering the new cultural environment is challenging.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I will return to UConn for my master’s year to complete my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am also about to attend the study abroad program in Nottingham to experience another different education system in the U.K.! Following that, I would like to be an elementary school teacher for a couple of years to get a deeper understanding of what students need. Then, I will pursue a doctoral degree and start my research.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career? I cannot be who I am right now without UConn. I have taken classes in various content areas to broaden my understanding of the world around me. In Neag, pre-professional courses and clinic practicums enable me to feel prepared and confident to be an educator. Besides, UConn provides me with numerous opportunities to gain experience in tutoring, contributing to community building and enhancing leadership skills.

What advice would you give to a student who is just starting out? Try to get involved! Getting involved in clubs, activities, and even classes allows you to meet amazing people and learn the world around you. Those opportunities enable you to explore your passion as well as gain phenomenal experiences. If you are an international student, do not hesitate to talk and ask questions. Open communication and a growth mindset are keys to success.