Zev Curiel-Friedman’s Post

Having recently returned home to the United States, I’m filled with gratitude reflecting on my second summer traveling to China as part of a youth delegation committed to fostering cross-cultural connection and global community. Hosted in conjunction with two impactful nonprofits — The Odyssey Project and The US-Sino Culture Experience Consortium — this immersive journey gave our group the chance to engage with Chinese culture across various sectors, from education and technology to history, sports, and public service. Whether it was visiting global companies like BYD, SIE, and Tencent for an inside look at China’s innovation and sustainability efforts; exploring top universities where we learned about AI, medical research, and environmental policy while bonding with local students; or playing pickup basketball in the streets of Guangzhou with curious onlookers and new friends alike — every moment reminded me that connection transcends borders. What stood out most weren’t just the places we visited, but the relationships we built. Whether through conversation, shared meals, or team activities, I found that openness, curiosity, and empathy created a foundation for mutual respect. Cultural differences became opportunities for discovery — not division — and by leaning into those moments, I experienced a deep sense of belonging even thousands of miles from home.

This trip held added significance for me as I was invited not just to participate, but to serve in a volunteer leadership role — supporting the program’s success and guiding fellow delegates through moments of both challenge and growth. It was humbling to receive a Leadership and Service Award in recognition of these efforts, especially knowing how deeply I believe in the power of youth leadership, intercultural exchange, and creating safe spaces for dialogue and learning. Throughout the trip, I helped facilitate logistics, curate moments of reflection, encourage delegates to step into discomfort, and model what inclusive, cross-cultural leadership can look like.

This experience reaffirmed a core belief of mine: that communication and community are two of the most powerful tools we have — not just for solving problems, but for discovering who we are. They shape how we lead, how we grow, and how we heal. I’m excited to apply these values in my work back in the U.S., and keep growing as someone committed to bringing people together and nurturing diverse communities — especially at a time when our world needs it most. Huge thank you to Anthony Leung and the team at The Odyssey Project for inviting me to be part of this journey and believing in my potential to carry the mission forward. And an equally big shoutout to everyone I connected with along the way — from Yi Zebin, whose insights on sports, business, and intercultural bridge-building left a real impression, to every person I met on the courts, in the classrooms, and beyond. It was an honor to learn from you all.