Alan Wang (‘24), Zhongshan, China 

Alan has lived in Zhongshan for fifteen years and will, ironically, be celebrating with his family of fifteen. He wanted to go to the U.S., but that plan was destroyed due to Covid. His grandmother contributes hugely to the cooking aspect of Chinese New Year, creating 包子 (bao zi), buns, and Chinese pancakes. It takes her almost a week before the spring festival to prepare the dumplings, which are important to Alan’s family as wrapping them is a collaborative project they can bond over. 

“It is tiring because we need nearly 500 dumplings, but it brings the family together,” Alan said.