[中文版本]

A few months ago, my team and I joined the "Be a Zero Hero" initiative and started a dedicated plastic film recycling bin at Herbert Hoover Middle School. Unlike regular recycling bins, this bin is specifically for collecting plastic bags and other types of plastic film products that are not commonly recycled. Our goal is to reduce the amount of plastic bag waste on campus while encouraging more people to develop good recycling habits.

From an Email to Campus Environmental Action

The launch of this project began with an email I sent to the school principal, Dr. Kim. With her support, I met with Mr. Ostry, who then helped coordinate a presentation of the project at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. Eventually, we successfully set up the recycling bin on campus. Montgomery County has a well-established recycling system that handles most everyday recyclables, but plastic bags and plastic films are not included. With our recycling program, these plastic bags and other plastic films can be recycled and repurposed into outdoor furniture, such as park benches. In fact, our "Be a Zero Hero" student club recently donated a bench made from recycled plastic to Richard Montgomery High School. This bench was a reward for our contribution of over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films collected over the past two years.

Teamwork Helps Bring the Project to Life

The success of this project wouldn't have been possible without the help of many people. I would like to especially thank Dr. Kim, whose strong support helped us set up the recycling bin on campus. Additionally, Kenneth Shue, the founder of the "Be a Zero Hero" program, provided immense support from the planning stage to the final implementation. He was always there to guide and assist us. I would also like to thank Mr. Ostry for helping us promote the project school-wide and coordinating with the Student Government Association. Finally, I want to thank my team members—Melody Zhou and Julia Zhu—because it was everyone's collective effort that made this all possible.

Small Actions, Big Changes—A Call to Reduce Plastic Waste

I hope every reader will do their part to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. Whether at home, in your workplace, or at school, you can collect recyclable plastic bags and films and take them to designated recycling bins at local stores instead of throwing them away. Montgomery County students, if your school already has a "Be a Zero Hero" recycling program, please actively participate by placing eligible plastic films in the recycling bins. If not, you can be a promoter of the "Be a Zero Hero" program. Contact us for guidance and assistance on setting up a plastic film recycling bin.

This initiative not only effectively reduces plastic waste, but also aims to raise more awareness about environmental protection, so that we can all work together to create a better world!

By

姚乐之 翻译 (Translation) 2025-04-01

[中文版本]

Six years ago, during the summer when I was four years old, my dad and I returned to China to visit my grandfather. This was my third time going to China. The first two times I visited my grandmother's house when I was only one or two years old, so I couldn't remember much about what happened. My grandfather lives in Yueyang, Hunan Province. We took a twenty-three-hour flight and finally arrived in China.

 After we got out of the airport, my dad and I took a taxi to my grandfather's house. I was very excited, and my heart was beating fast. I was very curious about what my grandfather's house would be like. Would it be a big house or a small apartment? How many floors would it have? How many bedrooms? Would there be enough space for me to sleep in my own bed? Since my grandfather lived alone, his house probably wouldn't be too big, right? As I was thinking about this, the taxi suddenly stopped. In front of me stood a tall, gray, two-story house made of cement. There was a staircase in front of the door, and in front of the staircase, there was a small garden surrounded by a black fence. The garden was full of various green vegetables, such as pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, water spinach, and more.

 I had just gotten out of the car when my grandfather had already opened the door and greeted me. His gentle smile reminded me of a photo from when I was less than a year old. Back then, my grandfather had come to the United States, and he would take me out to play every day and cook for me. I don't remember the details, but I remember his smile. Now, looking at him, I was reminded of those times. We went into the house, and my grandfather offered me a bowl of freshly made chicken soup. He told me that he had gone to a nearby farm at midnight the night before to catch the chicken. In front of me was a bowl of fragrant chicken soup. I took a small sip, and my whole body felt warm. The soup had a mild salty taste, with many types of mushrooms, large pieces of chicken, and sweet red dates. It was so delicious that every day, I would ask my grandfather to prepare a bowl for me. Even though I haven't been to my grandfather's house in a long time, I still remember the taste of his chicken soup.

 After finishing the delicious chicken soup my grandfather made, I went around the house to explore. It turned out that the house was different from what I had imagined—it was very large. The big white living room had a huge chandelier, with many small transparent crystals hanging from it. There was a large, wide glass window, and when the sunlight streamed in, the house became bright and airy. The kitchen had a small table, a stove, a sink, and many cupboards and drawers. When I went upstairs, I discovered that my grandfather had specially prepared a room for me. The large bed had two soft pillows on it, and it felt very comfortable to lie down. The house was very clean, and everything was neatly arranged. Although there weren't a lot of furniture pieces, anyone who saw the house would immediately feel that it was warm and beautiful. One thing that made my grandfather’s house different from others was that every room had a large map on the wall.

 Although I live in the United States and it’s not convenient for me to visit my grandfather in China, I still remember many of the things we did together, like going to buy steamed buns every day or visiting the neighbor's hen. These memories make me really want to go back to China and visit my grandfather.

By

廖慕坤 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

During the 2025 Spring Festival, under the guidance and planning of Teacher Li Feng, we, the students of Zaidao, organized our traditional New Year’s visit to the Sunshine Senior Center. To bring holiday cheer to the grandparents, we prepared a variety of performances and interactive activities. Before heading out, I thought this event was simply about bringing happiness and support to the elderly in the community, but by the end, I realized that I had gained much more than I had given.

The event began with Doris Wang and Emily jia introducing Zaidao’s activities and leading everyone in sending New Year’s greetings to the grandparents. Following that, Lin Zheng performed an impressive martial arts demonstration. Then, Allen Du and I organized a riddle-guessing game for the seniors. What surprised me most was how sharp and quick-witted the grandparents were. I had assumed that the riddles might be a bit challenging for them—after all, I had to discuss many of the answers with my parents beforehand to fully understand them. We even went over pronunciation and the stories behind some answers, like who "Lao She" was, so I could offer helpful hints. To my amazement, the grandparents answered almost all the riddles with ease. Sometimes, they even shouted out the correct answers before I finished reading the question! We handed out small prizes to those who guessed correctly.

Next came the hands-on activities, where students and grandparents worked together on traditional crafts like paper cutting, lantern making, folding origami cranes, and practicing calligraphy. At the calligraphy station, Teacher Li had already prepared brushes, ink, and large red rice paper adorned with golden dragon and phoenix patterns. The grandparents could use these to write the character "福" (meaning good fortune) to celebrate the New Year. My job was to assist with the calligraphy activity. At first, I thought I’d be offering guidance, but soon the tables turned—I found myself asking the seniors for advice on improving my brushwork. Some of them had incredible calligraphy skills, with strokes so smooth and elegant that their work looked like true art. One 94-year-old grandmother was even a professional calligrapher who had created signs for the senior center! They patiently taught me, stroke by stroke, how to refine my technique. What left the deepest impression on me was realizing that calligraphy isn’t just about writing—it’s a cultural expression and an art form passed down through generations.

Throughout the day, I gained invaluable experiences. The wisdom, creativity, and joy the seniors shared while engaging in cultural activities truly inspired me. They participated wholeheartedly in the festivities, showing immense gratitude through their enthusiasm. This experience taught me that learning isn’t limited by time or place—it’s a lifelong journey that can happen anywhere, at any moment. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and a deep sense of community—an experience I will always treasure.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 2025-02-19

[中文版本]

The Chinese Dragon Dance is a traditional performance often seen during Chinese New Year and other festive celebrations. The dragon dance, a vibrant part of Chinese cultural traditions, originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) and evolved from rituals to pray for rain and ward off evil spirits, later becoming a celebratory performance, particularly during festivals and Chinese New Year. It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and ward off evil spirits. The dragon in Chinese culture represents strength, wisdom, and power. Unlike Western dragons, the Chinese dragon is seen as a benevolent creature associated with rain and good fortune. A team of dancers carries a long, flexible dragon made of fabric, hoops, and bamboo poles. They move in a coordinated, wave-like motion to mimic a dragon’s movement. A typical dragon can be anywhere from a few meters to over 100 meters long, requiring multiple performers to control different segments. The dance is accompanied by loud drums, cymbals, and gongs to create an energetic and exciting atmosphere.

By

Nathan Tian 田旻楷 翻译 (Translation) 2025-04-01

[中文版本]

This winter I visited Joshua Tree National Park in California, and I was deeply impressed by the Cholla Cactus Garden. From afar, the olive plants resembled a large patch of stuffed toys. But when I moved closer, I realized they were actually spiky cacti. 

The shape of the cactus is very unique; their trunks weren’t much different from other trees, but they had no branches or leaves—only small, prickly balls. The balls were green with a hint of yellow. Some of them had even bloomed like popcorn. The trunks and the balls closer to the ground were brown, as if they were scorched by the sun. 

The cacti looked very cute, but they couldn’t be touched or stepped on. Afraid that we were going to get pricked, my mom even brought some ointment. I found this type of cactus unique and strange, and they could only be found in that region. Now, I’ve learned about a new plant!

By

舒云杉 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

On January 26, Zaidao hosted a warm and meaningful annual meeting at Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet. More than 20 attendees, including Zaidao members, parents, and judges from the Washington Chinese Cultural Festival Youth Essay Competition, gathered to reflect on past achievements and announce the leadership team for the future.

The meeting began with self-introductions by Zaidao founders Emily and Doris, who recapped the inspiring Chinese essay competition and celebrated Nathan, a Zaidao member who won first place in the high school division! Judges 陈建戈 (Jian-Ge Chen), 李珊英 (Shan-Ying Li), and 张红卫 (Hong-Wei Zhang) shared their experiences as judges.

Mengchen Wang, President of the U.S.-China Economic and Cultural Exchange Association, expressed his organization’s commitment to supporting the growth of Chinese American youth in the Greater Washington community and looked forward to future collaboration. Noted historian and head judge of the essay competition, Jian-Ge Chen, reminisced about the first essay competition held by the Qiao Bao newspaper in the Greater Washington area in 2011, which unfortunately had been discontinued over the years. He acknowledged the challenges Chinese American children face in learning Chinese and commended Zaidao students for successfully reviving the competition for two consecutive years. Emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage, he encouraged everyone to continue their efforts and ensure the competition's continuity.

Judge Shan-Ying Li, a pioneer and founder of Chinese schools in the Washington area, was deeply impressed by this year’s competition. She highlighted that all participants signed an authenticity pledge, leading to a noticeable improvement in the quality of submissions. Witnessing the students' growth brought her great joy.

Judge Hong-Wei Zhang shared her judging experience, noting her long-standing interest in Zaidao’s development. She was delighted to see its vibrancy and enthusiasm. As a first-time judge, she was deeply moved by the competition entries and upheld the principles of fairness and impartiality in selecting the best works.

Zaidao members engaged in friendly discussions with the judges, who were honored with certificates of appreciation.

Following lunch, Zaidao held a work meeting to discuss its new organizational structure and announce its leadership team: Daniel Shen and Hannah Liu were appointed Editors-in-Chief; Sophia Li, Lin Zheng, and Sophie Huang were named Event Managers; Nathan Tian and Angie Shen took on the role of Media Leads; and Allen Du was designated as the Reporting Lead. The team then outlined their respective responsibilities and brainstormed future events.

The gathering concluded with team photos and small gifts in celebration of Lunar New Year!

By

杜乐尧 翻译 (Translation) 2025-02-17

[中文版本]

2026 Common Application

With the release of the college application results for the class of 2025, CollegeBoard also announced in late February that the essay prompts for the next cycle will be the same as this year’s. This is great news for students applying to college next year. They can draw inspiration and tips from the successful essays of this year's senior students and be better prepared. If you're a junior and planning to attend college next fall, now might be the best time to start researching the prompts and working on your essays!

Stop CCP VISA Act

On March 14, Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill aimed at preventing Chinese citizens from obtaining student visas, titled the Stop CCP VISA Act (full name: Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act). According to this bill, Chinese citizens would be barred from entering the United States on professional visas, academic student visas, or as exchange visitors. Many have already expressed opposition to this bill, particularly the "Committee of 100," an organization founded by prominent Chinese-American individuals, including renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, philanthropist Tang Liuchian, and others.

2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival

This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the U.S. capital has just begun. From March 20 to April 13, 2025, the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. will be in bloom. They are likely to reach peak bloom around the end of March or early April, so make sure to plan your visit before the flowers start to fade!

By

黄千书 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

My name is Zerui Xu, and I am thirteen years old. I study at Robert Frost Middle School. 

Although I wear glasses, my eyes are dark and bright. Just like my eyes, my hair and eyebrows are also black. I like wearing blue tops, paired with darker colored pants.

I am a kid who loves to study. My Chinese is very good. I have been studying Ma Liping Chinese since preschool and am now learning the seventh book. In Chinese dictation tests, I usually score between ninety percent to a hundred percent. Recently, in my Chinese unit exam, I got a perfect score in the oral test and 97 in the written test, earning my teacher’s praise. When the teachers call on me to read characters, my voice is loud and clear, and my pronunciation is accurate. In school, I also study very seriously. From first grade to sixth grade, I have earned all A’s. I am in the highest level math class. These achievements are the result of hard work— “no pain, no gain!”

I enjoy playing the piano and the trumpet, and I have a solid foundation in playing the trumpet. My favorite sport is badminton. I also love eating sushi. Sushi is delicious—it has tasty rice and flavorful raw fish.

This is me! Would you like to be my friend?

By

许泽睿 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31

[中文版本]

Talking About the Spring Festival: The Chinese "Nian"

When we talk about the Spring Festival, we are referring to what the Chinese call "Nian" (年). To me, "Nian" feels neither near nor far, yet in reality, it seems quite distant. As a child, I had little memory of it—just the impressions of cold and red. Later, as I grew older, the country restricted fireworks and firecrackers for environmental protection, making the festival much quieter. Then came the pandemic, which made the New Year spirit fade even more. That was my personal experience, but in other parts of China, such as the South, especially in Guangdong and Fujian, the celebrations may still be grand and lively.

In the hearts of most Chinese people, "Nian" carries extraordinary significance. It marks both an end and a beginning. People leave behind the troubles and misfortunes of the past year, embracing the arrival of spring and the hope for a better life. With love, excitement, and dreams, they step into the new year’s vibrance, its grand festivities, and endless possibilities. Life is vast, and everyone has different goals and dreams, yet all persist in their pursuits, driven by their beliefs.

What "Nian" Looks Like

The essence of "Nian" is often simple, yet deeply meaningful. Perhaps it is:

• A stack of red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune.
• The red decorations seen everywhere—spring couplets and the character “福” (fortune) pasted on doors.
• The stars shining above as countless homes glow with warm lights.
• The laughter of family members gathered around the dinner table, watching the Spring Festival Gala.
• The joyful greetings from loved ones when returning home.
• The flourishing of a strong and prosperous nation, bringing peace to its people.

This is what "Nian" looks like in people’s hearts.

My Northern Impression of "Nian"

As someone from the North, if I were to describe my impression of "Nian":

• One word: Red—a color that represents prosperity and festivity.
• Two words: Family—the core of warmth and belonging.
• Three words: The Chinese People—the spirit of unity and pride.
• Four words: Based on the Zodiac—for example, this year is the Year of the Snake, so I would say “巳巳如意”, a creative play on "事事如意" (may everything go as you wish).

The Color Red and the Legend of "Nian"

Red is one of the most beloved colors in China, especially during the New Year. According to legend, in ancient times, a mythical beast called “Nian” (年) would appear and terrorize villages. People discovered that wearing red, pasting red decorations on doors, and lighting firecrackers could drive it away. Over time, these customs became traditions, passed down from generation to generation.

The Importance of Family

Family is our "life jacket" in the rough seas of life. As we grow older, we come to truly understand the importance of family. As one of my teachers often said:
"When you are experiencing something, you may not feel it deeply. But when you are about to lose it or have already lost it, regret will be all that remains."

For Chinese culture, family is the foundation of everything. As the saying goes, “修身齐家治国平天下” (cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the country, bring peace to the world)—family is the root of all things. The Chinese people place great value on relationships and traditions, and these ideas stem from family influence. The Spring Festival serves as a precious moment of reunion, a time to reconnect with family. No matter how exciting the world outside may be, home will always be our true utopia.

The Spirit of the Chinese People

During the Spring Festival, beyond the joy of celebration, there is also a deep sense of national pride. Even in the midst of the festivities, there are people still working tirelessly for the country and its people:

• Soldiers guarding the borders, ensuring national security.
• Doctors and medical workers, standing strong to protect lives and health.
• Sanitation workers, delivery drivers, and police officers, ensuring the city continues running smoothly.

Their efforts embody the Chinese spirit—resilience, dedication, and responsibility.

This year, 2024, holds special significance. The Chinese New Year has been officially recognized as a United Nations holiday, gradually evolving into a "global festival." Its recognition as intangible cultural heritage further proves that China continues to promote cultural diversity, inclusivity, and mutual learning among civilizations.

"巳巳如意"—A Special Blessing for the Year of the Snake

Since the Snake is associated with the Earthly Branch "巳", we creatively adapt “事事如意” (may all things go as you wish) into “巳巳如意”. This clever wordplay not only conveys good wishes but also carries a touch of modern creativity, making it uniquely fitting for this year.

The richness of Chinese culture lies in its deep traditions and continuous evolution. Looking back at history, the Spring Festival has always been the most dazzling star in China's cultural sky. It is a festival of both heritage and innovation—from the ancient custom of “总把新桃换旧符” (replacing old charms with new ones) to the modern “cloud-based New Year greetings”, technological advancements continue to shape how we celebrate. The festival’s essence is reflected in both the lively fireworks and the deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Passion: A Theme for the New Year

One of my favorite phrases this year comes from comedian Fu Hang, who often emphasizes “Passion”.

Life is about embracing passion—pursuing what we love, never fearing challenges, and pressing forward with courage.

So, as we step into a new year, let us honor the past and embrace the future. May we carry the spirit of our ancestors, push forward with determination, and create a brighter tomorrow.

May this year be better than the last. May all your wishes come true. May peace and happiness fill every home.

Happy Lunar New Year!

By

刘玥彤 翻译 (Translation) 2025-02-17

[中文版本]

The sunflower is a very common flower. Before I saw a real sunflower, I imagined it would be as big as my face, with soft yellow petals and brown seeds in the center, which are the sunflower seeds we often eat at home.

 The first time I truly saw a sunflower was on a summer weekend when my parents took our family to a farm to pick vegetables. As soon as we entered the farm, we saw a field of sunflowers next to us. They swayed gently with the wind, almost as if they were dancing, and I was immediately drawn to them.

 It seemed like they were waving at us, welcoming our arrival. I ran over, held their hands, and sang songs, laughing while facing the sun. The heads of the sunflowers kept turning with the sun. That must be how they got their name. The sunflowers were a little taller than me. They love sunlight, and they are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. The seeds grow in the center of the sunflower, surrounded by a circle of petals, as if protecting the seeds. I noticed that sunflower petals actually come in a variety of colors—yellow, red, pink, and even white! I learned online that mature sunflower seeds can be eaten as a snack, can be pressed for oil, and the oil can be used for cooking or skincare. The leftover oil cake and the sunflower stalks can be fed to livestock. Sunflowers are truly a treasure from top to bottom!

 After we finished picking vegetables, the sunflowers continued to sway in the gentle breeze, as if saying, "Goodbye!"

By

Nora Ma 马丫然 翻译 (Translation) 2025-03-31