Sadiki Wiltshire - Bridge Year China
Though born and raised in Laurelton, NY, I’ve always been extremely proud of my Jamaican culture. As a part of the first generation of American born children it was intriguing, juggling both aspects of my cultural identity. At times there seemed to exist a disparity between these cultures, seemingly worlds apart. But as I have grown up I have come to find them in a peaceful coexistence. I guess one could say that is where my fascinations with cultures began. Building on this interest of contrasting cultures, in the sixth grade I began the study of Mandarin as a part of the inaugural sixth grade class of Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, a small but mighty public school in the middle of Central Brooklyn. In the summer before my eighth grade year I traveled with my school to mainland China. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I felt compelled to continue exploring this breathtaking culture. I continued studying Mandarin for the remainder of my time in high school. I also took part in Hunter College’s STARTTALK Chinese Program for two consecutive years and became the first student in my school to pass the Advanced Placement Chinese Examination. Constantly searching for new and innovative ways to immerse myself into the Chinese language and culture, Bridge Year provides the perfect opportunity! I live by the mantra: “Try anything once.” That’s how I find what really makes me happy. I consider myself an optimist and have even been called an idealist. I say if we can imagine a greater world then why don’t we make one?