Where it began
In 2017, I visited Longling, China. I spent a week living with a local family and teaching English at nearby schools. Although I was only there for a few days, I saw how meaningful it was for the students to learn English and connect with someone from a different background.
What I had thought of as a simple lesson could become an opportunity for someone else. That experience changed the way I thought about education.
I realized that the opportunities I had were not equally available to everyone, and I wanted to find a way to share what I knew beyond those few days in China.
Bringing lessons online
When I returned home, I started an online channel where I taught English and shared everyday American life with students in China.
Over time, I published more than 300 bilingual videos on WeChat, created discussion groups for students and parents, and recruited peer tutors to provide one-on-one support.
Growing beyond English
JoyLand has since grown to include scholarships, international service, local community work, and AAPI advocacy. At its heart, however, it remains rooted in the same idea that inspired me at seven: an opportunity can mean much more when it is shared.