Students Share What Pearl Buck Means to Them

As part of an exhibit curated for the Shanghai Library on Pearl S. Buck, about 30 current and former students in the Pearl S. Buck International sponsorship program in China made videos talking about what Pearl Buck means to them. In their videos, the students discussed how learning about Pearl Buck’s life, literary works, humanitarianism, and activism has influenced their own lives and worldviews. 

In his video, Yilun called Pearl S. Buck “a pioneer in the literary field and a human rights and women’s rights activist. Her works and public speeches often focused on themes of gender equality and social justice, inspiring countless people to fight for equal rights.”

“This reminds me of the great idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind, which is central to China’s philosophy,” he continued. “I aspire to be a young person in the new era with ideas, responsibility, resilience, and a strong will to fight. I also aspire to be like Pearl S. Buck, contributing to the well-being of the people and serving as a bridge in maintaining strong US-China relations.”

Baoqi is currently studying at the University of Malaysia. In her video, she noted that “Pearl Buck’s works have been a great help during my time here.” Reading The Good Earth while studying abroad “not only reminds me of my Chinese roots but also eases my homesickness.”

“Through engaging with Buck’s works,” she continued, “I’ve realized that people worldwide share common emotions. This understanding helped me embrace different customs and beliefs. I’m optimistic that through dialogue and mutual respect, all countries can collaborate for a more inclusive world.”

Xing, a student at Chongshi Girls’ School, noted that she enjoyed participating in her school’s cross cultural exchange program. “Pearl S. Buck dedicated her life to promoting cultural understanding, and her spirit permeates every detail of the program’s activities.”

“This experience has contributed to my growth, and I will carry the confidence and courage from the activities forward,” she continued. “I also look forward to more people engaging in such meaningful exchanges, contributing to the diverse ecosystems of world cultures.”