Yiting Zhang's traveled to the U.S. to promote Yao culture

After receiving acceptance letters from 12 U.S. universities, she chose Duke University, ranked 11th in the world and 9th in the U.S., after careful consideration. "Duke's biochemistry department is outstanding." She said that some of the core international pharmaceutical technologies are currently held by foreign countries, and she wanted to study this area and then return to her home country to serve.

Meanwhile, she also has a wish to go to the United States to publicize Yao culture. As a native of Liannan, Zhang Yiting values her Yao identity. "Yao people are kind, pure and united, with unique cultural symbols." Zhang Yiting said.

When she was studying in Shenzhen, she went back to her hometown and practiced Yao songs and dances and brought along traditional Yao costumes in order to promote Yao culture. When she performed Yao songs and dances at school carnivals, her unique costumes, songs and dances drew widespread attention.

In 2010, as one of the 20 representatives from mainland China, she participated in the Young Women's World Leadership Summit in Singapore, once again showcasing the Yao cultural flavor.

Meanwhile, she had contacted the Yao Association in France and gained some knowledge about setting up an association. She plans to set up such a Yao association when she goes to the United States to study, so as to contribute to the promotion of Yao culture.

And what she is worried about now is the expensive tuition and living costs of going abroad, which amount to hundreds of thousands of yuan a year. Her parents are nothing more than ordinary local workers and are not well off. "Borrow money or take out a loan first, and I hope my daughter has a better future." Zhang Hongrong is full of confidence in her daughter.