Future Young Leaders Who Will Shape History
Julia Qian
What changes would you like to see in our society?
I would like to see the world be more interconnected with love and support, and there to be more respect, understanding and appreciation for differences among people.
What kind of contribution would you like to make to society?
In a long run, I hope to be a respectful, positive, supportive and strong voice and ally for people or a community who need me. I also believe that one could make a subtle difference simply through daily interactions with people and it is my hope to carry out my various identities in such a positive way.
What book(s) influenced you most as a student and how?
The first one came to my mind was Les Miserable, which I read in high school. What spoke to me back then was the very simple idea of being kind to people and believing the kindness in people.
What– in your opinion– makes a good leader?
A leader to me is not a position or a title. Leaders are the people who are authentic to themselves and strive with their strengths and passion to serve their communities and therefore the world.
What inspires you to be the person you are today?
Interestingly enough, it is the combination of a very traditional Chinese household as well as the education and culture at Barnard College that together made the biggest impact on me. My cultural and family background have grounded me as a person with an appreciative heart, taught me to always remain humble, and nurtured me to be intellectually curious and culturally sensitive. I have been encouraged and inspired to be daring in my journey within myself and in the world. In college, I have embraced and experienced not only an American and New York culture, but also a unique Barnard culture. I see the beauty in people’s differences, and I was encouraged to constantly strive to create a more inclusive community. I learned to listen, respect and appreciate various ideas and opinions. I was challenged to come out of my comfort zone to explore different academic interest, various identities within myself, to challenge the status quo and most importantly, to have the courage as well as knowledge to define for myself and the world around me. #
