Since its founding nearly a century ago, Xavier University of Louisiana has encouraged students to create a more just and humane society wherever they are. Being the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, the ideals of diversity and cultural exchange is just one of the principles instilled in students of Xavier. Xavierite Lundon Shields is looking to carry this legacy with her globally and has been recognized for her excellence as a recipient of the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, which is supporting her study abroad at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan over the summer.

Offered by the Ministry of Education through Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston (TECO), the Huaya Enrichment Scholarship aims to offer financial resources for students across the world who are inspired to learn the Mandarin language and culture in Taiwan. The scholarship is open to any college student who is not Taiwanese or enrolled in a Taiwanese university, but nevertheless has an interest in learning about Taiwan and studying its language.

Lundon Shields is a Public Health Sciences junior with a double minor in Chinese Language and Biology. She decided to attend Xavier because of its dedication to propelling future Black doctors towards success. As an aspiring physician, she plans to work across Asia and Latin America specializing in infectious diseases. She wants to help those who suffer from vaccine-preventable diseases by serving them within her professional capacity. Xavier’s inclusion of various cultures and world perspectives while maintaining its background as a historically Black College and University (HBCU) is another reason Shields was attracted to the school. She is thrilled to study abroad at Ming Chuan University to develop her Mandarin skills and learn more about Chinese culture.

“This has allowed me to begin my journey into learning Chinese language and culture, an opportunity not often afforded to young Black students,” said Shields, who is already proficient in English and Spanish and would like to learn Mandarin to become trilingual. “My ultimate career aspiration is to specialize in infectious disease, [and] working with populations across Asia and Latin America suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases. By enhancing my Mandarin skills, I can fully realize these goals one day.”

Shields expressed her joy at being able to study abroad and be more immersed in the cultures and language she has studied for so long. In the spirit of Xavier’s mission, she hopes to not only continue her studies but learn how to relate to others from cultures unlike her own. As an aspiring physician, connecting to patients from diverse backgrounds is key as she continues to grow and move forward on her academic and professional journey. Throughout her travels in Taiwan, her immersion in the culture is fueling her appreciation, understanding, and relatability to the individuals who make up that culture.

“While studying in Taiwan I am most excited to interact with locals. I want to learn their culture and traditions in everything from festivals to seasonal foods,” said Shields, “My biggest intention while in Taiwan is to visit night markets as a way to both practice my communication with locals and become familiar with traditional Taiwanese foods.”

Shields hopes that beyond enhancing her knowledge of Taiwanese culture and Mandarin that she can help her peers have the same opportunity. Shields, who is also a recipient of the Gilman International Scholarship to help financially support her study abroad ventures, hopes to establish a society at Xavier upon her return, the “XULA Gilman Scholarship Society,” that will allow other Xavierites the opportunity to study abroad through financial support, especially if they would not have been able to otherwise. Shields desires to do this because she notes that her travels abroad would not have been possible without the financial support that the Huaya Enrichment Scholarship afforded her. Expressing her gratitude, she wants to share her excitement and experiences with as many of her fellow Xavierites as possible.

“I want to extend my greatest gratitude to TECO for awarding me the prestigious Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, as well as Dr. Zion Qin at Ming Chuan University for aiding us with the proper documentation,” said Shields. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn Mandarin this summer in Taiwan and believe this would not be feasible without the support and grace of all of the wonderful institutions involved.”