My name is Emma Kirkwood and I’m a rising fourth-year student at the University of Virginia, where I study Chinese and Foreign Affairs. I’m originally from the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania but spent much of my childhood in Beijing, China. In 2016, I moved to the UK to attend Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Now, I’m thrilled to be spending the summer in Dublin, further expanding my international experience.

Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what motivated you to pursue your studies in your current field?

Growing up between cultures gave me a natural curiosity about the world. Living in Beijing and later studying in the UK taught me how culture, language, and politics intersect. It also taught me the immense value of gaining a different perspective of the world, something I also hope to gain in Dublin. This perspective sparked my interest in global affairs and inspired me to study Foreign Affairs and Chinese at UVA. I love the challenge of learning a language and the insight it offers into different ways of thinking. Outside of academics, I stay involved through student leadership with committees like the University Judiciary Committee and the University Student Council and clubs such as Best Buddies and Operation Smile.

What is it like to be an undergraduate student right now? Are there any trends or challenges in academia that have particularly impacted your experience?

Being an undergraduate student right now is exciting but intense. Studying abroad as an American student also means navigating global political tensions. Still, I’ve found that most students I meet are eager to connect across differences and learn from each other, which keeps me optimistic. There’s also a lot of pressure to balance academic performance, internships, and mental wellness, especially as emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence reshape learning. The rise of AI tools, hybrid learning environments, and global instability have significantly changed my generation's educational experience. But there's also a strong sense of community and collaboration among students while navigating this new learning world.

Could you highlight a particular academic achievement or moment that stands out as your favourite or most memorable so far?

When I originally enrolled for classes at UVA I did not think I was going to major in Chinese. Therefore, one defining moment for me was a feeling I couldn’t shake that something was missing from my academic experience. I realized that I gravitate towards learning Chinese. That period made it clear to me just how much I love the language as it is not only intellectually rewarding, but it’s also a bridge to my family and the friends I’ve made throughout my life. It was a moment of clarity that helped me fully commit to my academic path.

How do you envision your academic achievements contributing to your community or the broader world?

I hope to use my knowledge of Southeast Asia and Mandarin in a future career that involves cross-cultural understanding in the business or finance sector. Whether it’s through consulting, policy, public relations, or business. I want to contribute to building bridges and understanding between the U.S. and China. There is so much room for progress through respectful communication and cultural literacy.

Many students have diverse interests. How have you managed to integrate your academic pursuits with your other passions or interests? Do you believe this is an important aspect of your future work/life self?

Speaking Chinese, as a non-native speaker, is more than an academic subject for me, it’s personal. It’s part of how my family connects with both each other and also our closest friends, and how I’ve made sense of the world. I also love working with people, whether in Student Council, Chi Omega, Best Buddies, or UJC. These roles might not be related to my academic pursuits but have helped me develop empathy, patience, and communication skills that will be invaluable in my professional life.

Can you share the role mentors or advisors play in your academic journey? Any specific advice from them that profoundly influenced you?

One of my most important mentors has been my dad. His career in Southeast Asia introduced me early on to the world of global business and diplomacy. His support and perspective have been constant sources of motivation. He’s always encouraged me to lead with curiosity and compassion. Values that now shape my academic and professional goals.

Maintaining a balance between academics and well-being is crucial. How have you managed stress and found time for self-care throughout your studies?

I find balance through small, consistent habits. I enjoy Pilates, running, going for long walks, and catching up with friends at the pub. These moments help me decompress and stay grounded. I’ve also learned the importance of making space for rest, which is something that hasn’t always come naturally but is essential for long-term wellbeing.

Given the diverse nature of education today, how has exposure to different cultures and perspectives influenced your academic and personal development?

Being exposed to multiple cultures throughout my life has made me more open-minded and less quick to judge. I’ve learned that there’s rarely one “right” way of doing or thinking about things. That awareness makes me a better student and a more thoughtful person. It’s also given me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, like interning abroad.

What motivated you to intern abroad, and how do you hope this experience will influence your future self?

I was excited to return to Ireland because my grandfather’s family is from Cork, but also because I wanted to experience working in a global context. The opportunity to intern abroad is allowing me to build international work experience, learn from diverse peers, and get a better sense of what kind of professional environment energizes me.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals, both academically and personally, what is important to you post graduation?

After graduation, I hope to work at the intersection of business and international relations, such as consulting with companies on working with East Asia or supporting cross-border collaboration through diplomacy or NGOs. Long term, I’m considering graduate school in international business. I am equally interested in tech and AI and what the future holds there. What matters most to me is making a meaningful, ethical contribution to global understanding.

For students aspiring to make the most out of their undergraduate years, what advice do you have based on your own experiences?

I would say that trying everything, especially early on. Get involved, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from simply showing up. University is as much about learning how to live with others, advocate for yourself, and build relationships as it is about what happens in the classroom.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers – perhaps a piece of wisdom or a lesson you've learned during your academic journey?

One thing I’ve learned is that knowledge is power. In my experience it’s better to have a well-researched and thoughtful opinion than to have the “right” opinion. Such as one that sounds impressive but isn’t grounded. People respect honesty, humility, and openness. I believe that those values will carry you far, academically and personally.