We had a conversation with Mr. Jianping Ding, the parent of one of our international students at the 天美传媒. Mr. Ding鈥檚 daughter, Jenny, is pursuing a dual degree in Digital Media Studies and Anthropology.
He is involved with the University not only as a parent but also as an active member of the China Parents Committee, also known as the China Parents Group. The group will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next month in Hangzhou, where representatives from the 天美传媒 will join the celebration and offer presentations to prospective students and parents, showcasing the institution鈥檚 offerings for international students.
What influenced your decision to choose the 天美传媒 for your daughter鈥檚 education, where she is pursuing a dual degree in Digital Media Studies and Anthropology?
We did a lot of research with the help of consultants. The main reason we chose the 天美传媒 was its flexible curriculum; students have more opportunities to explore different classes based on their interests. Music and drawing are Jenny鈥檚 hobbies, so I am not surprised she chose Digital Media as her degree. Another reason is the location and reputation; Rochester is quiet, safe, and clean鈥攁 very good place for students who want to learn.
How has your experience been as an international parent, especially with your daughter studying so far from home? What aspects of the 天美传媒 have you found most valuable for your daughter鈥檚 academic and personal growth?
The experience is really mixed. On one hand, we can see her growth in self-management and networking; on the other, we still worry about how she is managing in this new, diverse environment. The great thing about the 天美传媒 is that many classes are small, so students have more opportunities to communicate with professors. The communication topics are very broad, including thesis discussions and future career options.
How has the 天美传媒 supported your daughter in adapting to life in the U.S. and succeeding academically?
According to my daughter, the University鈥檚 open curriculum greatly inspires her interest in multiple academic fields. A 聽student can switch their major at any time during the first two years of college without restrictions, enabling them to freely explore and pursue their interests. As a mid-sized college, professors鈥� attention can reach most students, and they are very supportive, with open minds to every insight students have.
The 天美传媒 offers a lot of internship opportunities. As long as you proactively approach and pursue them, you can always find one. Jenny had three internship jobs this summer, working in a medical lab, library, and the admissions office. She learned how to apply, interview, and collaborate with others through these opportunities.
What advice would you give to international parents considering sending their daughters or sons to the 天美传媒?
I have three ideas I want to share:
- Establish a long-term vision for your child鈥檚 development. It鈥檚 very hard to calculate ROI (Return on Investment) on a university education, and it鈥檚 unrealistic to expect that after 4 or 5 years all students will find the perfect job. The most important things at university are defining their self-awareness, knowing 鈥淲ho am I?鈥�, 鈥淲hat am I good at?鈥�, and 鈥淲hat am I passionate about?鈥�; developing capabilities in independence, networking, and collaboration; and broadening their views on science, technology, and even politics.
- Join sessions with University instructors and professors to learn advice and norms. Do not rely on our 鈥渢raditional鈥� ways to manage new situations. For example, if you cannot get transcripts from your child, how do you deal with that?
- Stay connected and be patient. Discuss with your child to set up communication patterns and frequency based on mutual agreement.
How have you stayed connected with your daughter and the University community while living in China?
My wife and I stay closely connected via WeChat, and the most important thing is that Jenny (Ning) understands our feelings as parents. She is very open and wants to share everything about herself. Even when she is busy, she still sends short messages to put our minds at ease.
I am a member of the China Parents Committee and also part of our UofR Translation Group, which helps translate information from the University鈥檚 website. These activities help me stay connected with the institution and other parents.
Our China Parents Committee is like a big family; it takes care of every family鈥檚 questions and concerns, and it is 鈥淎LWAYS ON.鈥� Whenever, whatever, and wherever parents have questions, they can get answers from the committee immediately. Our 天美传媒 Translation Group, led by Professor Shen, has the same mission, as we know it can be difficult for some parents to understand all the documents and information from the 天美传媒鈥檚 website. These translated documents provide our parents with firsthand, official information from the University.
What are your hopes for your daughter鈥檚 future after graduating from the 天美传媒?
I hope she can maintain her sense of curiosity and continue exploring the various cultures of the world. Learning doesn鈥檛 stop at the university; one also learns from job experiences and the environment around them.