My parents always hoped I’d learn Chinese. Even though they’re both Chinese, they grew up in the U.S. and mostly spoke English at home. When I was younger, I went to a Chinese daycare and preschool, but the language never stuck. Saturday Chinese school wasn’t part of my routine, and despite my parents’ efforts with language apps and summer camps, I never progressed beyond counting, “hello,” and a few other basic words. Since my elementary and middle schools didn’t offer Mandarin, it wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I finally had the opportunity to take a formal, in-person Chinese class.

This year, I’ve made pretty good progress. I can now write basic sentences and understand “tourist Chinese.” It’s even getting to the point where I can understand snippets of my parents’ conversations when they’re trying to be secretive in Chinese! The in-person learning environment a big difference. The consistency of weekly classes and having a native-speaking teacher were crucial. But perhaps the most significant factor was my own desire to learn, rather than feeling pushed by my parents. It’s been exhilarating to start understanding conversations in restaurants or catching familiar words in Chinese YouTube programs.

To further immerse myself, I’ve started listening to a podcast called ChinesePod. It’s been a fantastic and natural way to learn. The podcast features acted-out dialogues and interviews, with the hosts then breaking down each sentence, explaining its meaning, and providing cultural context. The situations are often humorous and relatable to everyday life, which makes learning enjoyable. Not only am I picking up new vocabulary and grammar, but I’m also gaining insights into Chinese society, values, history, and even their sense of humor. The blend of Chinese and English explanations in their discussions is particularly helpful, offering a fun and different approach to learning beyond simple repetition.