Holton-Arms Student, Zahra Rasheed ‘26, Shares Transformative Experience with NSLI-Y Mandarin Program in Taiwan

In an inspiring display of global engagement and academic excellence, Zahra Rasheed '26 recently participated in the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Mandarin program in Taiwan. Zahra’s immersive experience not only enhanced her language skills but also broadened her cultural horizons and personal growth, showcasing Holton-Arms School’s commitment to fostering globally-minded students.

Zahra’s journey with Mandarin Chinese began in 6th grade at Holton-Arms. Initially drawn to the language out of curiosity, her interest blossomed into a genuine passion, especially as she learned to read and write Chinese characters. Dr. Amy Liao, Zahra’s Chinese language teacher, emphasizes the transformative nature of this experience explaining, “Zahra’s visit to Taiwan was a transformative experience in her Chinese language journey. Being immersed in an authentic Mandarin-speaking environment for six weeks gave her a chance to fully engage with the language and culture on a level that is not possible in a classroom setting.”

The decision to pursue Mandarin Chinese was driven by Zahra’s deepening appreciation for the language and its written form. “Zahra’s deep interest in Mandarin, her curiosity about Taiwanese culture, and her desire to strengthen her proficiency motivated her to pursue this opportunity with the NSLI-Y program,” Dr. Liao observes.

During her time in Taiwan, Zahra participated in a range of cultural excursions and activities. She visited a green onion farm where she learned to make traditional green onion pancakes and picked fresh onions. Another memorable experience was exploring Sun Moon Lake, where Zahra enjoyed the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of indigenous Taiwanese villages. Her host family, who are nutritionists, introduced her to a variety of healthy and delicious foods, including the famous Stinky Tofu, which became one of her favorites despite its strong smell.

Zahra’s immersive experience was not just about learning the language but also about forming meaningful connections. She built strong bonds with her peers, teachers, and host family, which transcended cultural boundaries. Dr. Liao highlights the significance of such programs stating, “programs like NSLI-Y are incredibly impactful in a student's language-learning journey because they provide immersive, real-world experiences that complement classroom instruction. In an environment where the target language is spoken daily, students like Zahra can apply what they've learned in class, navigating real-life situations and deepening their cultural understanding.”

The intensive nature of the NSLI-Y program significantly boosted Zahra’s confidence and proficiency in Mandarin. Dr. Liao elaborates that “beyond language skills, these programs foster personal growth by encouraging students to become more independent, resilient, and open-minded. The cross-cultural exchanges promote global awareness, which helps students develop a more nuanced perspective on world events and cultures.”

Zahra’s experience in Taiwan has ignited a passion for global engagement and has impacted her future aspirations. She plans to continue studying Mandarin throughout high school and is considering a senior project that integrates her experiences with language and global perspectives. Dr. Liao is excited to leverage Zahra’s story to inspire other students at Holton saying, “I’m excited to share Zahra’s story with my students at Holton to inspire them to pursue similar opportunities. Her experience is a great reminder that persistence in language studies opens doors to incredible personal and academic growth.”

Dr. Liao also points out that Zahra follows in the footsteps of other Holton students who have participated in the prestigious NSLI-Y program, such as Elena Laguna ‘24 and Jacqualine Asuquo ‘15. Zahra’s participation in the NSLI-Y program exemplifies Holton-Arms' commitment to providing students with opportunities for global learning and personal development.

Zahra’s summer in Taiwan serves as a testament to the power of language learning and cultural immersion in shaping well-rounded, globally-minded individuals. Her journey is an inspiration to her peers and underscores the importance of embracing global opportunities for growth and understanding.