Valparaiso University Student Competes in International Chinese Language Contest

Valparaiso University student Teshurah Lee ’18 was one of 150 students worldwide selected for the prestigious “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition held recently in China.

The “Chinese Bridge” Proficiency Competition recognizes and showcases the Chinese language in several rounds of competition. Lee competed against 150 other students in Changsha, China, after winning the U.S. Midwest Chinese Speech Competition, held in Lee’s hometown, Chicago.

A Chinese and Japanese studies major, Lee is interested in pursuing a career with a global ambassador program. At Valpo, she is a Chinese tutor; sings in the women’s choir and gospel ensemble; and is a member of the Black Student Organization, the Commission for an Inclusive Valparaiso Community and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Steering Committee.

Lee began Chinese language courses as a high school freshman and has participated in Chinese competitions each year since, which has helped her to build critical verbal and presentation skills. And while Lee said she learned about Chinese culture in her language courses, being in the country enabled her to truly experience the culture. “I was able to go back to their roots and learn why they do what they do,” she said.

The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition’s goal is to stimulate enthusiasm of youth in learning the Chinese language and reinforcing global understanding of the Chinese language and culture.