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Noreena Wu, 2026–2027 Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant, Mandarin
Hi everyone, I'm Noreena Wu, the Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant for Mandarin at Loyola Marymount University for the 2026–2027 academic year. I come from Taiwan, where I studied Political Science at National Taiwan University with a focus on International Relations.
My background is a little unconventional for a language teacher, but each chapter has taught me something I bring to the classroom. As President of the NTU Student Association, I learned to listen carefully, bridge different viewpoints, and move from ideas to action. Working as a data analyst at a polling company showed me how to understand people through numbers, while planning concert events taught me how to create shared experiences for large groups. My exchange semester at Fudan University in Shanghai gave me a new view of how language and culture are intertwined, and reminded me what it feels like to be a learner in an unfamiliar setting.
Here at LMU, I run drill sessions for Chinese 1, Chinese 3, Chinese 5, and Business Chinese. I want these sessions to feel energetic and welcoming, a place where students can take risks, speak up, and start using Mandarin for real purposes, whether it's chatting with a friend or handling a business situation.
I'm also happy to introduce students to the Taiwan I love. I'm drawn to its mountains and coastlines, and I take pride in our public transit, especially the Taipei MRT, which is remarkably clean and easy to use. I follow Taiwanese baseball closely too. Beyond the talent of our players, the fan culture is something special, with signature songs, chants, and group cheers that turn a game into a celebration. I'd be glad to swap stories about any of this with students, and I can't wait to explore Los Angeles.
Thank you to the Fulbright Program and the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures for making this experience possible. I'm looking forward to getting to know the LMU community and learning alongside you.