As a Chinese high-school student who moved to the U.S. only a few months ago, I never heard of the phrase “board of education” before my father told me that his friend, Yu “Taylor” Zhong, is running for re-election for the board of education of the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District.
The concept got my attention. After consulting with some friends, I understand better: This is a position for township residents who are willing to be involved in communicating with the school district administration and community about education issues so that they can give suggestions and opinions. This is very different in China, because policies are only made by the bureau and experts. Parents are less involved because there is no such a platform for them to gather together to discuss the issues.
The U.S. is a nation that favors diversity. Different voices from different people are respected. From the perspective of education, different families from different cultures have different expectations from their children. They have different values and traditions. Also their parenting styles can be different. Therefore, representatives from different background should have equal chance to be the member of board of education.
Plainsboro is a diversified town. Yu “Taylor” Zhong is willing to and capable to serve all the children of different backgrounds. He has spoken to hundreds of parents and residents of different backgrounds, in apartments and single family houses, on campus and off campus, on football fields, at supermarkets, in the parking lot and on the train station platform, in person and via email or telephone. He is humble enough to admit that there are always others who know any issue better than himself. Therefore, he always consults with residents before he makes any decision.
Ruijie Huangfu
Highland Park
The writer is a 10th grade student at Highland Park High School
