Kerong Pan

Gaining a broader perspective and skills for a globalized world

When Kerong “Panny” Pan heard that KU representatives were going to be in Zhengzhou, China, she was so excited to learn about the university that she flew two-and-half hours to meet them.

In the four years since, Pan’s enthusiasm for KU has not waned.

Pan, who spent four semesters at the Applied English Center and graduated from KU in 2022 with a master’s degree in special education, said her time at KU gave her a global perspective, improved her language skills, and fostered personal growth, resilience and adaptability.

“Leaving my familiar surroundings and embracing new cultures challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. This process taught me to be flexible, open-minded and adaptable to a different environment,” Pan said. “This skill set will undoubtedly contribute to my success in a globalized world.”

Growing up in Hohhot, which is in China’s northern providence of Inner Mongolia, Pan knew she wanted to work with children. So, she earned a bachelor’s degree in toy design from Tianjin University of Science and Technology, where she began studying early childhood education and child development. After graduation, while most of her classmates took jobs at toy design companies, Pan realized that she was more interested in interacting with children, not being behind the scenes designing toys.

She wanted to be a teacher and learn about education systems outside of China. A family friend recommended she consider KU because of its reputation as one of the best programs in the United States for special education.

AEC Director Valerie Pierce still can’t believe that Pan and her dad flew several hours to Zhengzhou just to meet with KU representatives.

“She was her bubbly and excited self, and I knew she would do well,” Pierce said of the meeting.

While at KU, Pan fully embraced the campus community, even when COVID forced classes online during her second semester. She enjoyed attending the AEC’s conversation groups, where international students practice their English language skills, and appreciated International Support Services’ guidance and assistance.

“I found a sense of belonging by participating in clubs and attending all kinds of events,” Pan said. “I had the opportunity to interact with students from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. These interactions not only brought a new perspective but also helped me develop lifelong friendships and connections that extend beyond my time as a student.”

Through constant exposure to English, Pan’s language skills improved significantly, paving the way for professional opportunities and cross-cultural connections.

After meeting Pan in China, Pierce continued to check in with her while she was at KU. During the International Student Graduation Celebration, Pierce was particularly excited to congratulate Pan.

“She is such a success story, and someone who is determined to meet her goals and more,” Pierce said.

Today, Pan is living in Los Angeles and is a lead teacher in a classroom of two- to- four-year-olds at the Stratford School. The school is bilingual, so Pan speaks primarily Mandarin to the children while another teacher speaks English.

Pan said it’s surprising how quickly the young students learn the language, some picking up Mandarin phrases or entire sentences within a few weeks. For Pan, the position is a perfect fit.

“I can use my teaching ability, but also my native language,” Pan said. “It has really brought out my confidence to teach.”

This fall she will continue her education by joining the doctoral program for Education in Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction at Westcliff University in Irvine, California.

“Studying in a different country allowed me to gain a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and educational systems,” Pan said. “The opportunity to immerse myself in the U.S. educational system, particularly in the highly acclaimed special education department, expanded my knowledge and equipped me with a global perspective that will greatly benefit my career as an early childhood educator.”

By Christine Metz Howard