Helen Zhang

Activist, Artist, Brainstormer, Connector, Explorer, Foodie, Global soul, Idea generator, Student

Hi, my name is Ziyan(Helen) Zhang. I'm currently 16, a sophomore in Clements High School at Sugarland TX. I was born in Shanghai, and grew up in China until when I was eight, my mom took me to Indonesia to live with my step dad and step brother. I went to New Zealand International school for two years to catch up on English, then got transferred to Jakarta international school for three years. Over there, I met people all around the world, and realize personality is not based on ethic or nationality. I was friends with all kinds of people, and learned their culture and story, it was amazing! I participated in all sorts of activities and sports, because I knew this opportunity was precious, so I tried my best to get all I can from this experience. I learned what I needed, but it was put to use when I arrived in America. Things were different, school was not what I expected, but I knew what I wanted, what I believed in, so I just fought really hard, and tried my best to enjoy the process. I stayed true to myself, didn't change to fit in, and was glad to meet people that appreciated who I am, not who I tired to be! Since a lot of things is costly, I try to entertain and enrich my life and day with simple things, like DIY, volunteer, read, learn a new skill...and of course online broadcasting! My life changed ever since, I got gifts/postcards/support from people I have never met, and it's been a bliss. I just hope I can turn my dreams into reality a little by little, I'm only 16, there's a long way to go!

Well, I'm most passionate about happiness and harmony. My dream and goal has always been the ones I love, and ones who love me will be happy, and since I love this world, I want YOU to be happy too!

I want to create an website that celebrate diversity as a goal, which will bring unity among everyone. To dissolve bias and misunderstanding between one and other, and between different countries. There needs to be space for people to learn and hear other's stories from their own hands and mouth instead of a storyteller, news, or other secondary sources including our own interpretations. Although there's endless gap between people, we also have unimaginable similarities, like feelings, experiences, and I know everyone or a nation wants to be heard, understood, and respected. I tired of people asking me does America hate China, or do I know kung fu (LOL!). I hope one day everyone can just stop assuming, have the courage to share their experience, stand up for what they love, and ask for what they don't know and have the patience to listen to others. We are different, and that's a great thing!

In process...to be continued~

communicating and persuading? LOL. I'm good at baking, drawing, and make shy people unshy.