Senior Spotlight: Independent Studies, Alexsys Soriano: Chinese Econ. and Educ. Policy

Riverdale Review: Briefly discuss the subject of your independent study

Alexsys Soriano: I studied Chinese economy and educational policy impacts, and also their interactions.

RR: Why did you choose to spend additional time studying this topic?

AS: For me, I had finished the Chinese curriculum, so I was looking for a way to continue my study of Chinese at Riverdale. But also, it was something that I was really interested in building off of, not the last class, but the Chinese V class. I learned a lot in that class about certain leaders in Chinese reform, and I am incredibly passionate about Chinese urbanization and globalization. I thought it would be really cool to take this on in an independent study.

RR: During which semester did you do this and who was your faculty advisor?

AS: I did it first semester with Guo Laoshi.

RR: What was the goal of your study or a central question you were trying to answer?

AS: My title – How did economic and educational policies shape China?

RR: Did you feel you were successful in getting an answer?

AS: I think I was pretty successful in getting an answer. I was able to do so in a comfortable environment that I felt fit my needs. My independent study experience wasn’t exactly the same as everyone else’s, but I was still able to put out a couple papers. Really what I was looking for was a deeper understanding of the topic, and some more Chinese under my belt.

RR: What was your biggest challenge during the experience? 

AS: My biggest challenge during the experience was probably the research on the subject. I didn’t have any major research experience besides the term paper. Navigating the sources and being able to synthesize them was difficult. Yeah I did it!

RR: What was your biggest takeaway?

AS: My biggest takeaway is really this idea of, if something is not there and you want it, we’re so lucky to be in this environment where you can just go out and create it. Really taking advantage when there are these opportunities.