Rowan Young Woelk, a proud student in the Mandarin Village at Global Village Academy Douglas County, has been named the elementary division winner of the Annual CO-CABE Proud to Be Bilingual Essay Contest! His inspiring essay explored the significance of bilingualism, highlighting how speaking Mandarin connects him to his birth culture and opens doors to new experiences.
In his essay, Rowan reflected on the challenges and rewards of becoming bilingual, emphasizing how learning Mandarin has strengthened his connection to his birth country and enhanced his daily life. He shared personal stories, including when he confidently spoke Mandarin at a Chinese restaurant and how his language skills have allowed him to help others at Chinese Heritage Camp and H-Mart.
Rowan has deepened his understanding of Chinese culture through his education at Global Village Academy by learning from his teachers, classmates, and the books he reads in class. His ability to speak Mandarin allows him to experience traditions firsthand, from celebrating festivals to trying authentic foods with friends.
Quoting linguist Frank Smith, Rowan wrote, "Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift. Learning a new language is becoming a member of the club – the community of speakers of that language." He expressed deep pride in being part of this global community, where his bilingual skills bridge cultures and create meaningful connections.
We are incredibly proud of Rowan for his dedication to language learning and well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Rowan, on this outstanding achievement!