Chinese W&M Student Shares Chinese Tea, Sweets With Rawls Byrd Students

Rong Wang from Beijing, China, visited Rawls Byrd Elementary School recently and served “bubble tea,” or “pearl milk tea,” which originated in tea shops in Taichung City, Taiwan, during the 1980s. The tea contained small chewy balls made of tapioca starch called “pearls” in Chinese.  Turkish Delight, a favorite sweet from fairytales, was served to accompany the tea.  As the fourth grade students savored their treats, Rong spoke with each student as she demonstrated the art of calligraphy in writing the student’s name and interpreting the characters’ qualities and personality characteristics such as peaceful, successful, friendly, loyal, clever, and adventurous.

Rong is a member of the Foreign Lands Ambassador Group (FLAG) which gives international students the opportunity to share their knowledge of international countries and cultures with local elementary school children.  In doing so, the program promotes international education, nurtures multicultural understanding and friendship, and strengthens the connection between William & Mary students and the local community. Rawls Byrd’s Library/Media Specialist and FLAG-liaison is Viky Pedigo.

Photo Rong:  Rong Wang of China writes with Ben Alexander as Jacob Golub waits his turn for his name interpretation.