On Thursday, November 7, Fridley High School's Chinese Program took 88 students on an exciting field trip to the University of Minnesota (U of M). The trip, themed Career and Language, was designed to help students explore future career paths and learn about resources available to Chinese language learners.
The day started with participation in the U of M's CIS (College in the Schools) Chinese Microfilm Festival. The festival’s theme, Our Stories, Our Community, brought together students from nine CIS schools, including U of M students, to showcase creative short films. One of Fridley’s own students, Muntaha Abdelaal, received the Best Film Editing Award for their hard work and creativity.
“This was such an inspiring event,” said FHS Chinese teacher Hsiao Hsuan Huang. “Students used their Chinese skills to learn about other schools’ stories and communities, and they shared creative ideas through their films.”
Before the festival, juniors and seniors in Chinese levels 4, 5, and 6 had spent over a week creating their own videos for the event. After receiving feedback from U of M examiners, they made final edits, demonstrating their dedication and teamwork.
Following the festival, students attended two informational speeches. The first was hosted by the U of M Carlson School of Management, and the second by the U of M ROTC program. Both sessions provided valuable insights into scholarships, financial aid, and opportunities specifically for Chinese language learners.
The field trip was not only an educational experience but also a source of inspiration for students. “I hope this trip encourages them to explore their futures and see all the possibilities ahead of them,” Huang shared. “Our goal is to guide students to new experiences and connect them with resources that can help them succeed.”
Special thanks to Matt Kiefer for his support in making this trip successful and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
See all photos here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNAUj8ETgo6wFTR0HY_VzB8yCFkS65Cv6nq8vYH4o0s5kK3cof-E64s5A7JvDb69g
