March 1, 2017
By Lucy Carr
Four students from Beijing High School No. 4 spent three weeks studying at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics as part of the 2017 “Hefner Initiative USA/ China/ Asia.” This year’s Hefner Scholars were Phyllis Liu, Jenny Ju, Carmelo Zhang, and Lewis Xin. They stayed in the dorms at OSSM, attended classes and participated in school activities, as well as enjoying special outings to learn about the history and culture of Oklahoma.
This year’s program included tours of the Oklahoma History Center, Norman North High School, Oklahoma City Community College’s Film & Video Department, the University of Oklahoma campus, the Sam Noble Museum, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The Hefner Scholars also spent a weekend at the homes of their OSSM host buddies. Hefner Scholar Phyllis Liu wrote of her experience with OSSM students, “I was impressed by how enthusiastic and thoughtful they are when it comes to academics, and also overwhelmed by their kindness and warm relationships with each other … I have met so many great people and enriched my knowledge about the United States by talking and living with them.” Hefner Scholar Jenny Ju reflected on the trip, “I not only improved my academic knowledge but enriched my experience that could guide the rest of my life as well.”