Blog post by Internship program participant and third-year Harvard undergraduate student, Dian Yu
Dian Yu
October 16, 2024
My experience at One Plus One Group in Shanghai was profoundly impactful. During my time, I gained a deeper understanding of the daily lives and challenges faced by visually and physically impaired individuals in China. Importantly, this experience broadened my perspective on legal frameworks, accessibility development in public infrastructure, and societal attitudes towards disability rights across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States. My job responsibilities included researching disability law and teaching an English language and culture course to visually impaired, incoming college students. Researching and formally writing articles in Mandarin was a new experience for me, which I initially found challenging due to having to learn technical Mandarin vocabulary and legal jargon. However, this significantly improved my research, writing, and language skills.
One of the most memorable aspects of the program was our field trip to Xi’an and Shanghai. I was captivated by the rich history and the seamless blend of ancient architecture with modern skyscrapers. The efficiency and cleanliness of public transit, delicious traditional Chinese cuisine of endless variety, and the vast scale of shopping centers, were truly remarkable and left a lasting impression on me. China’s immense economic growth just throughout my lifetime has been inspiring to witness.
My time in China also challenged my preconceived notions, particularly concerning the portrayal of life in China by many Western media outlets. I was in awe of the remarkable convenience and safety of daily life in Shanghai. The efficiency of rideshare apps like DiDi and food & parcel delivery was astounding, making it a breeze to adjust.
Ultimately, this internship deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in law, particularly in continuing to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. The experience was both professionally and personally fulfilling, further fueling my passion for creating meaningful social change.
To learn more about the Harvard China Fund Internship program, click here.