Undergrad Discusses Connecting Cultures

Mandy Han, a senior double majoring in industrial engineering and German studies and minoring in Spanish, was recently featured in the University of Arizona's "We Are Wildcats" campaign. She discussed her journeys from China to the United States, Germany and Spain, all in the pursuit of connection and understanding people and cultures.

"I'm interested in STEM, I’m interested in humanities, but my true passion is people – to encourage them, to inspire them and to learn from different cultures, different languages, and then combine those things," Han said. "Maybe it's my job to bring people together to have conversations."

Han also expressed a passion for studying abroad, and said it's changed her for the better.

"Studying abroad has given me a new perspective. I’m more sympathetic towards others," Han said. "I dealt with culture shock when studying abroad and when I came back to Tucson. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, so I can really relate to people who feel like they don’t belong. I can reach out to them to be their friend and to understand their struggle. That’s the rewarding part of going through those challenges."