When 21-year-old Anna Paula Peralta Reyes walks through the bustling streets of Lima, Peru, she carries with her not just her Peruvian heritage, but also a deep connection to China.
Anna, a communications major at the University of Lima, spent 11 years studying at a Chinese school in Peru before journeying halfway across the world to attend Jilin University in China. Immersed in Chinese culture from a young age, she found herself captivated by the language, traditions, and warmth of the Chinese people.
“Living in China was an eye-opening experience,” Anna shares. “I not only learned about the rich history and customs but also formed friendships that I’ll cherish forever.”
During her time in China, Anna volunteered to teach Spanish to local children, using music as a bridge between languages. “Music is universal,” she smiles. “It was incredible to see how songs could bring us together despite the language barrier.”
She fondly recalls exploring traditional Chinese cuisine and traveling with the families of her students. “They welcomed me into their homes like family,” Anna says. “Their kindness made me feel at home even though I was miles away.”
With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting taking place in Lima this year, Anna is hopeful. “I believe this is a great opportunity for countries at different stages of development to collaborate,” she notes. “Through cooperation and treaties, we can create growth opportunities for underdeveloped regions and contribute to sustainable development across all APEC members.”
Looking ahead, Anna is determined to use her passion and education to foster cultural exchanges between China and Peru. “I want to be a bridge between our two countries,” she declares. “By understanding each other’s cultures, we can build stronger, more meaningful connections.”
For Anna, the future is all about bringing people together. “There’s so much we can learn from one another,” she says. “I can’t wait to see what we can achieve when we work hand in hand.”
Reference(s):
I am from APEC: Peruvian youth aims to bridge her country and China
cgtn.com
