When I was in high school, like millions of other students, I dreamt of studying at Peking University. I vividly remember the note I placed on my desk as a constant source of motivation: Seek knowledge at the Tower of Knowledge, and make a name for myself by the Nameless Lake (博雅塔前求博雅，未名湖畔誓闻名). However, after moving to the United States for college, this dream seemed to fade into the distance. Yet, life often takes unexpected turns, and in the summer of 2024, I was able to fulfill that high school aspiration as an SCPKU Predoctoral Fellow.

Returning to China after nearly a decade of studying abroad was an incredibly meaningful experience, not only because it marked a significant milestone in my academic journey, but also for deeply personal reasons. Reconnecting with China through this program resonated with me on many levels, offering a chance to rediscover my roots and further develop my academic goals.

At SCPKU, I had the privilege of collaborating with an extraordinary group of scholars from Stanford, Tsinghua, and Peking University. The discussions we engaged in were intellectually stimulating and helped me refine my research methodologies, pushing me to make considerable progress on my dissertation. The exchange of ideas with such distinguished academics broadened my understanding and deepened my research focus.

SCPKU also served as a crucial base for my archival research in China. Its strategic location allowed me to travel frequently between Beijing and Shandong province, where I accessed various museums and archives vital to my research. The staff at SCPKU were unwavering in their support, helping me navigate both academic and logistical challenges. With their assistance, I gained access to the PKU library, which provided me with invaluable resources essential for advancing my dissertation.

SCPKU offered an environment that nurtured both my academic and personal growth. The collaboration with leading Chinese scholars and the immersive field research provided unique insights that I could not have obtained elsewhere. I wholeheartedly encourage my fellow researchers, particularly those interested in China, to take advantage of opportunities like SCPKU. I believe such experiences can be truly transformative, shaping both one’s academic work and personal journey.