Lun, Mai 5, 2025

Interview with Elizabeth Wang: The Story of Peter Wang

[中文版本]

On October 13th, 2023, the Gold Lantern Awards were held at the Kennedy Center, honoring notable Chinese Americans. Among those honored included fifteen year old Peter Wang, who died in a Florida school shooting during his attempts to save his classmates. At the event, the director and scriptwriter, respectively Margaret ShaBi Hong and Elizabeth Wang, of the movie based on his story, titled “See Me Once More, My Dear Kid”, accepted the award on behalf of the brave student. Before the ceremony began, members of Capa JRC sat down with and interviewed Elizabeth Wang. 

“Almost as soon as I heard the news about the shooting, when I was a sophomore in college, it was shocking to me”, Elizabeth commented. She was born and raised in China, where they were not aware of the concept that schools would be so unsafe. It was a heartbreaking reality for her to face, and they knew immediately upon hearing the news that they wanted to write about this heroic story.

The film takes a unique perspective, focusing on Peter Wang’s mother and her grief with losing her son. Elizabeth explained, “There are a lot of news reports and awards given to Peter, but focusing on the broken family and how they gain the strength to continue with their lives is a really empowering perspective to take”. Her goal was for his family and other people around the world to see this empowerment, and find strength to continue on with their own lives, despite tragedies that occur.

The film covers a highly emotional topic, making it an easy assumption that writing about it would be difficult, but Elizabeth actually had a different experience. While writing the script, they had to do research on how many kids would die from school shootings each year, and she argued that this made her want to continue even more, because it made them realize how important it was to spread awareness. However, the most challenging part was during the filming, where many actors and crew would sometimes struggle emotionally with this heavy topic. Elizabeth quickly turns it around and says, “Finding a way to guide the team through their emotional hardships, especially since this was filmed during the pandemic, taught me a lot”. 

Elizabeth recalls a meaningful moment during a screening of the film, where they saw the audience very emotionally touched and felt that the movie brought awareness to teenager safety in school. She adds that while this one movie cannot affect policy, it will help people think about how to make their communities safer and more peaceful. 

Elizabeth Wang and Margaret ShaBi Hong were able to take a tragic event and use it as a tool to provide comfort and spread awareness. “See Me Once More, My Dear Kid” is a truly empowering and inspiring film, and JRC members are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the behind-the-scenes process. JRC wishes all the best to Elizabeth and ShaBi Hong and we look forward to what they will do in the future!

Interview with Elizabeth Wang: The Story of Peter Wang

Sometimes I'm not the best son, yet you're always the world's best mom

[中文版本]

Dear Mom,

Time flies, and you have been taking care of me for 14 years. I know it's not easy to look after me, but you've done it. Even though I may not always be the best son in the world, you are always the best mom.

Thank you for your constant care, guiding me on what is good and what is not. From my childhood to now, I've done many foolish things. You always patiently waited for me to realize it on my own, then explained why it was not good.

I believe you are the best mom in the world! I am very fortunate, and I love you so, so much—there's never enough love for you! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!

Your loving son,

Du Leyao

Sometimes I'm not the best son, yet you're always the world's best mom

Thanks to my parents for their endless love

[中文版本]

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your endless love, a love that has been dedicated to me since the moment I uttered my first cry at birth. The love you have given me is the most selfless; you seek no return, only hoping for my healthy and happy growth.

Perhaps there are times when I can't see it, but beneath your many disguises lies deep affection. You not only gave me life but also bestowed knowledge upon me. From you, I received things that others couldn't obtain.

Your love is a beacon in my darkness, frequently illuminating my path. Thank you for guiding me through the journey of life, helping me see the way forward, like a teacher, like a friend. I appreciate your selfless love for me.

I love you!

Zheng Jiajing

November 30, 2023

 

Thank you to Teacher Li Shuhong for recommending this article

Thanks to my parents for their endless love

Interview with Yue-Sai Kan: The Bridge between the East and West

[中文版本]

On October 13th, 2023, the Gold Lantern Awards were held at the Kennedy Center, honoring notable Chinese Americans. Among those honored included Yue-Sai Kan, a Chinese-American television host, producer, author, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. She is known for her work in bridging the gap between the East and the West, introducing China to the United States.

At the awards ceremony, JRC members met Ms. Kan and arranged an interview. Although she is already in her 70s, we found that she does not appear as elderly as we had imagined. She wore a vibrant orange top, high-heeled shoes, and wore neatly crafted makeup. During our conversation, she maintained an elegant demeanor, appearing truly youthful.

Ms. Kan noted that many Chinese values in her upbringing have guided her through her career: “Our parents have very special values, for example, the respect for elders, working really hard, saving money, being kind to people, and being close to family. Especially, respect for other people, because if you think about it, the Chinese are very peaceful people. Right now a lot of people think the Chinese are scary because they might go to war, but the Chinese are not conquerors. The most important street in Beijing is called “Eternal Peace”, so in other words, that is their wish. Our job is to let more people know who we are.” 

“Looking East” was the first TV series to introduce Chinese culture to America. Yue-Sai Kan explains, “The main reason I shot the series was because no one had done it before. If no one has done it before, then you should do it.” She has shot thousands of shows and movies over the years, and she shares some of her proudest moments: “I loved interviewing Mother Teresa; I interviewed her in Rome. There was a show I did called “Doing Business in Asia”, where I featured four countries in Asia. That was the longest selling videotapes, it was selling for years and years and years. A specific TV documentary I am proud of is ‘Journey through a Changing China’. It is a program about the changes that happened in 1988/1989, when China was just opening. It was a really exciting time. We aired it all over the country, sponsored by American Express, and the next morning I got a phone call from Senator Inouye, who was the senior senator. That program was put into the Congressional Record. Out of thousands of programs, that was the one put into the Congressional Record, so I am rather proud of that one.”

Aside from producing programs and TV series, Yue-Sai Kan has also started a cosmetics brand, which has since been sold to L’oreal. She says, “I don’t run it anymore, but it was the first cosmetics brand ever produced for Asian women. It uses a lot of Chinese herbs in the makeup. A lot of American women use cosmetics, but not a lot of Chinese use cosmetics, so I knew it was a potential market for China. The idea really isn’t about lipsticks or eyeshadows, the idea is that if you can change the way you look, you can do anything.”

Although our JRC junior reporters haven't seen the influential television programs Yue-Sai Kan produced back in the day, through this interview, we learned about her contributions for the improvement of relations between China and America. Her efforts and life experiences are truly inspiring. At the end of the interview, she shared some advice: "Everybody makes different impacts. I happened to make that kind of impact because the time was important. Now it is a little different. For Chinese Americans, I think because the relationship between China and the US is so bad, there is an opportunity to tell the Chinese story.”

Interview with Yue-Sai Kan: The Bridge between the East and West

Wishing parents happiness and health

[中文版本]

Dear Parents,

Today is Thanksgiving, a perfect time to express gratitude to family, so I wanted to write you a letter to convey my appreciation. 

You have guided me from childhood to adulthood. Despite your busy schedules, you have always been patient with me and my sister, accompanying us in our studies, preparing meals, and taking care of the household every day. Your efforts to help and support us are truly commendable. I am deeply moved by Mom's decision to work from home for our benefit, and I am very grateful for your dedication and assistance.

I hope you won't be too tired, and I wish you wouldn't worry too much. Instead, I hope you both can be happier and healthier.

Your son,

Zhang Zuyu


Thank you to Teacher Li Shuhong for recommending this article

Wishing parents happiness and health

Thank the Most Handsome and Capable Grandpa

[中文版]

Dear Grandpa,

 

I was away at a competition during Thanksgiving and didn't have the time to write this letter of gratitude. I have many things in my heart that I want to tell you.

Thank you for your support! Since I was little, it has always been you who accompanied me through life. I am now a fourteen-year-old high school student. You have worked hard over these fourteen years. I have grown up, and you have aged. But in my eyes, you will always be the most handsome, most capable grandpa.

I remember the days when I was living in Vermont as a child. Mom and Dad were very busy with work and often came home late at night. When they were not home, it was always you who stayed with me, reading me Chinese storybooks. When I was sick, it was you who stayed by my side and prepared food for me. Moreover, the meals you cooked are the best in the world. Every day, you prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner for us. Even when you were not feeling well, you never stopped. 

From the first day I attended Chinese school, it was you who were responsible for sending my sister and me to school on time. Every Saturday morning, you help us with dictation of new characters. Without you, I definitely wouldn't be able to speak such good Chinese. Thank you for growing up with me! I will study Chinese diligently. Wishing you good health and happiness!

 

Your granddaughter, Xie Huizhen

 

Thank you to Teacher Li Shuhong for recommending this article.

Thank the Most Handsome and Capable Grandpa

Thank myself

[中文版本]

Dear Myself,

Happy Thanksgiving!

You might think it's quite selfish to write a gratitude letter to yourself, but I hope you don't feel that way. I'm thrilled to be able to write to myself because the greatest achievements in life are often those we strive for on our own. I appreciate my own growth.

Lately, studies have been keeping me busy, so it's even more important to communicate with family and appreciate their support. I know there are times when my mood isn't at its best, or I'm dealing with too much, but I always maintain a balanced mindset, facing everything with a relaxed attitude. I'm very proud to be able to rise up in times of low spirits, and I appreciate the fighting spirit I have every day.

In this season of gratitude and love, I'm grateful for your diligent studying and sense of responsibility. Just need to be a bit more disciplined, correcting those lazy habits. But that's okay! Everything in life and growth accumulates gradually.

I believe that through my efforts, I will ultimately achieve all my goals and overcome any obstacles! I will forever be your greatest supporter.

Forever loving you!

Yao Jialu

 

Thank myself

To my best Chinese teacher

[中文版本]

Dear Teacher Li,

Thank you very much for teaching us so many wonderful lessons, as well as the tips and tricks for AP Chinese. You are undoubtedly the best Chinese teacher I have encountered in the United States.

Your passion for teaching is unparalleled, evident in your articulate and insightful lectures. Each class is well-structured, with a focus on key points and challenging aspects. Moreover, you always go out of your way to meet the needs of students, incorporating engaging activities and delightful stories into the lessons.

There is a type of connection in the world that surpasses familial and friendship bonds, and that is the teacher's meticulous care and thoughtful guidance. Thank you for guiding us to the summit. With your attention, we become more confident and brave on the journey. Every step of progress on the AP path is inseparable from your hard work, and every bit of growth is associated with your earnest teachings.

Sincere thanks, Teacher. You've worked hard! It's unfortunate that I can only study with you for one semester, but I believe we will meet again in the future! May every year and every day of yours be filled with happiness and joy! Thank you!

Wu Zixin

To my best Chinese teacher

Thank Mom for Unwavering Love

[中文版]

Dear Mom,

In this warm season of gratitude, I want to thank you for your fourteen years of devotion to me.

Firstly, I want to thank you for your unwavering love. Your love has always been the source of my strength and has made me who I am today. Your support in every success and failure has enabled me to face countless challenges.

Furthermore, thank you for your endless dedication to me, for taking me to various activities every day, from morning till night. Not only do you uphold a happy family, but you also teach me to be a responsible child.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, warmth, and laughter.

 

Sheng Haoran

 

Thank you to Teacher Li Shuhong for recommending this article.

Thank Mom for Unwavering Love

I will make sure you retire joyfully when I grow up

[中文版本]

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today is Thanksgiving. From my childhood to now, you have always been by my side. I know your work is very busy, and you come home tired. Yet, you never let me see it. When I'm anxious, you calmly tell me it's okay, I can handle it. Every day, you wake up earlier than me, prepare breakfast, and make dinner in the evening. You don't have to do so much; if I can help, I definitely will. I hope you can rest more and wish for your health always. When I grow up, I will definitely earn a lot of money to let you retire happily.

Zheng Jiamin

 

Thank you to Teacher Li Shuhong for recommending this article

I will make sure you retire joyfully when I grow up