After the "Walking Across China, Seeking the Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine" winter camp, the faculty and students of Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) expressed their feelings and gratitude towards the Chinese American Foundation for their support. Below are the letters and articles from four representatives.

One: Thank you letter to CAF from Dr Prasad

Dear Mr. Yu and Board Members of the Chinese American Foundation,

I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for your extraordinary generosity in sponsoring our recent educational trip to China. This transformative experience has left an indelible impression on both our students, my wife and I (faculty at SCU), many of whom were visiting China for the first time. Only Haeni Kim visited China before and that too when she was very young.

The thoughtful collaboration with Shanghai Trade School, Shanghai School of Material Engineering, and Shanghai School of Informational Technology created an exceptional foundation for our visit. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced with remarkable hospitality. The meticulous planning of every aspect of our stay demonstrated an outstanding level of care and consideration.

Our immersion in Shanghai perfectly illustrated China's harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Walking along the historic Bund, visiting the iconic Bank of China building, and witnessing the impressive skyline offered a compelling narrative of China's evolution. The city's advanced infrastructure and technology were truly impressive.

The educational components of our trip were particularly valuable. At Shanghai Trade School, we were fortunate to learn from a third-generation TCM practitioner whose expertise and engagement with our students was remarkable. At the Shanghai Information Technology School, we learned about calligraphy, traditional costumes, traditional arts and crafts. We also got to taste different flavors of Chinese teas offered in traditional cups.

Our visit to Shanghai TCM University, with its impressive campus and extensive library, reinforced our commitment to Traditional Chinese Medicine education and practice. We learned different Tui-Na techniques from a Tui-Na expert at Shanghai TCM University.

The journey to Li Jiang and Kunming provided an invaluable perspective on semi-urban China. These visits, including the enlightening tour of the Yunan Bai Yao factory and the TCM facilities in Kunming, demonstrated the impressive scope and advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine across different regions.

Throughout our stay, we experienced exceptional Chinese hospitality through regional cuisines and comfortable accommodations. The efficiency of China's modern transportation system, from high-speed trains to airports, made our internal travel seamless and comfortable.

Special recognition must go to the faculty, principals, interpreters, students, and staff of the three vocational schools. Their genuine warmth and dedication to ensuring our comfort and learning experience went above and beyond our expectations. Even including recreational activities like cricket lessons showed thoughtful attention to creating a well-rounded experience. Another such example is planning a surprise Christmas party on December 24^th for all and a beautiful birthday party for Madison Park. The locations for these parties were so beautiful and

This journey has accomplished everything we hoped for and more. It has broadened our perspectives, deepened our understanding of Chinese culture and medicine, and created lasting memories for everyone involved. Your foundation's support has made a significant impact on our students' educational journey and professional development and for myself and my wife as well.

Thank you again for this remarkable opportunity. We look forward to building upon these experiences to strengthen the bridges between our institutions (SCU, CAF and the vocational schools) and Chinese and American cultures.

With Much Gratitude,

Prasad

(S. Prasad Vinjamury)

Two: The Beaty of China - by Erika Hernandez

I was honored to be invited to patriciate in the Cultural Promotional tour of China. I have not traveled outside of Los Angeles since before Covid. I started the DAcCHM program at SCU towards the end of Covid, and since then, my focus every day has been studying and taking every opportunity to learn all I can while at SCU. Leisure trips have not been a part of my agenda for several years and were not in the plans until I finished the program. The opportunity to visit China, the birthplace and the homeland of the medicine I am studying, felt unreal.

The welcoming reception at Shanghai Trade School was warm, welcoming and very personalized. It gave us a taste China’s history, music, art and food. It left such a lasting impression that our school’s Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association is replicating many of our experiences at SCU’s Chinese New Year Celebration on campus. The events planned are tea tasting, sampling of traditional pastries, calligraphy writing, a Tai Chi demonstration and the video of the dragon dancers from the reception. Several of us will wear the traditional Chinese outfits we were given on that day. Also very heartfelt was the video collage of our trip that was created and presented to us at the closing ceremony.

I enjoyed every moment of my time in China. The sights, the architecture, and the food were amazing. I appreciate the architecture in Shanghai, the buildings’ colorful display of lights, and even more so as the lights reflected on to Huangpu River at night. I also enjoyed seeing the beauty of China’s natural landscapes. I am grateful the trip included the waters of Blue Moon Valley and Heilongtang Park in Lijiang, Yunnan. I also enjoyed the charm and the shops of Dayan, Old Town of Lijiang.

What impressed me the most were the people of China, those who were part of our tour and provided an amazing experience. The level of warmth, kindness, reception, generosity, hospitality and attention to detail was unexpected, refreshing and unmatched – all of which I have never experience to this level. I appreciate that the trip was tailored to our interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine with various lectures, and trips to museums, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and manufactures of herbs and special formulas.

 I am excited to have traveled to China, experienced its culture, and to share those experiences with friends and family. All have been equally excited to hear my stories and view my pictures. I cannot say enough “thank you’s” to represent the level of gratitude I have for the opportunity to travel to China and experience the beauty of its people and culture. Many blessings to everyone involved in coordinating this trip. 

Three: China Trip Reflection - by Haeni Kim

The recent trip to China was an extraordinary and transformative experience that provided me with invaluable memories and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality extended by everyone we met was so heartwarming. This journey was not just about exploring a new country—it was about forging meaningful connections, immersing myself in a culture rich in history and tradition, and gaining experiences that will stay with me forever.

The opening ceremony was a remarkable highlight of the trip. The performances were stunning, showcasing the incredible talent of the students who played the bamboo flute, guzheng, and pipa with such skill and passion. The music was captivating and created a sense of unity and awe in the room. The dragon dance was especially mesmerizing—its energy, beauty, and precision brought Chinese tradition vividly to life. I will never forget the touching moment during the group photo when one of the students playfully wagged the dragon’s tail, a small but heartwarming gesture that made me feel truly welcomed and appreciated.

During the ceremony, I was paired with a student partner, and what began as a brief interaction turned into a meaningful friendship. While his initial role was to guide me only during the event, we stayed in touch afterward, and he even joined us again a few days later during another part of our schedule. He took the time to show us around, introduce us to local foods, and share cultural insights. His kindness and enthusiasm to share his world with us made the experience incredibly special.

The educational visits during the trip were equally inspiring. At the Shanghai Pharmaceutical School, I was fascinated by the intricate process of making moxa sticks. Having the opportunity to participate in the process gave me a newfound respect for the precision and tradition involved. We also connected with the students there through activities like playing cricket—a simple yet joyful way to bond and learn about their daily lives and aspirations.

The visit to the Bank of China offered a completely different perspective. Standing at one of the highest observation points in Shanghai, I was in awe of the city’s expansive skyline and its modern achievements. It was a breathtaking view that reflected the remarkable blend of tradition and progress in China. Additionally, creating hong bao (red envelopes) with intricate gold-ink patterns was a unique and meaningful cultural activity that deepened my appreciation for the country’s artistic traditions.

Yunnan was an unforgettable part of the trip that left an indelible mark on me. Its stunning natural beauty, from the pristine lakes to the snow-capped mountains, was unlike anything I had ever seen. The clarity of the blue waters was mesmerizing, and the serene landscapes offered a sense of peace that I will always carry with me. Our local guide enriched the experience by teaching us phrases in the local dialect, such as “ah la la lei” (hello), “jiu bei shiu” (thank you), and “lei dou dou” (bye). It was fascinating to see how different the dialect sounded from Mandarin, and it made me feel more connected to the local culture.

I was also deeply intrigued by Yunnan’s traditional crafts, such as tie-dye. Learning that the blue dye is derived from ban lan gen and the red from hong hua was fascinating and emphasized the connection between nature and artistry in Chinese culture. I brought home a beautiful blue tie-dye bandana and matching earrings, which now serve as cherished reminders of this unforgettable experience.

This trip far exceeded any expectations I had—it was truly life-changing. I initially joined the program to learn about a new culture, but I left with something much greater: lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the people and traditions of China. Even now, I continue to stay in touch with some of the friends I made, sharing updates about our daily lives and even talking about something as simple as the weather in Shanghai. These relationships have become a special part of my life, and I am so grateful for the connections I built.

Beyond the personal bonds, this experience has also profoundly shaped my future career. The hands-on learning opportunities, such as making moxa sticks and exploring the history of Tai Chi and other traditions, gave me a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision of Chinese medicine and culture. The rich history I encountered has inspired me to carry these lessons into my professional life, ensuring that these traditions remain respected and integrated into modern practices.

I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity—one I know I would not have had if it weren’t for SCU. This experience has left a lasting mark on my heart and my future, and I am already planning to return to China in the spring to reconnect with the people and places that made this trip so special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey possible and for giving me memories and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Four: Letter from Massiel Guillen 

The trip to China has been one of the most profound and impactful experiences of my life. The opportunity to immerse myself in its rich history and culture, while tying it into the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was truly eye-opening. Experiencing China firsthand not only deepened my understanding of the medicine but also brought greater meaning to its theories and practices. I’m also incredibly grateful for the chance to be surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of the people, who went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. Their kindness and generosity were the perfect complement to the beauty and depth of the culture.

I’ll always carry with me the insights I gained along the way, like learning the symbolic meaning behind the animals displayed at the entrances of homes. If the maiden is the head of the household, a phoenix is hung; if the male is in charge, a dragon is displayed. These customs, alongside the many others, helped me connect with the culture on a deeper level. 

The integration of TCM throughout the trip was a unique and special touch. From making our own moxibustion to attending talks at various TCM schools, every part of the journey was an opportunity to expand my knowledge. Learning about the origins of tie-dye and its connection to an herb used in Chinese medicine was fascinating, and visiting the Yunnan BaiYao factory—something I’d studied the previous semester—felt like the perfect culmination of the experience.

We were fortunate enough to explore both the modernity of Shanghai and the rich historical sites in the Yunnan Province, each offering its own perspective on China’s beauty and diversity. And of course, the food! I had the chance to try pigeon, yak, and peach wine for the first time, and each bite was a celebration of China’s culinary richness.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who made this trip possible—our teachers, guides, and everyone involved who worked tirelessly to create such a meaningful and enriching experience. I’m especially thankful to those in China who welcomed us as family, treating us with such warmth and kindness. The generosity of the people we met truly made this trip unforgettable.

This journey not only broadened my perspective but also ignited a deeper connection to China. I’m already planning to make use of my 10-year visa and return to explore even more. Wo Ai Zhong Guo! <3

With love and appreciation, 

Massiel Guillen