# In Yale College explained — My Life in China and America

> Chapter companion for My Life in China and America by Yung Wing.

## What happens

Yung Wing's time at Yale College is detailed, highlighting his academic struggles and successes, his decision to forgo the ministry, his poverty, and his internal conflict between staying in America and returning to China. The chapter culminates in his graduation in 1854, his meeting with Dr. Bushnell, and his eventual decision to return to China, driven by a sense of duty to his nation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education as a Tool for National Reform

Yung Wing's education at Yale is seen as a means to serve his nation, leading to the idea of the Chinese Educational Mission.

### Cultural Identity and Belonging

Yung Wing feels at home in America but is haunted by his duty to China, highlighting his struggle with identity and belonging.

### Family and Personal Sacrifice

Yung Wing sacrifices a comfortable life in America to return to an uncertain future in China, driven by a sense of obligation to his people.

### The West as Model and Mentor

Yung Wing's education in the West serves as a model for his vision of reforming China through education.

## Character check-ins

### Yung Wing

Central figure; attends Yale, excels in English composition, struggles with poverty, decides against ministry, and resolves to return to China.

### Dr. Bushnell

Meets Yung Wing at commencement, interested in his background and authorship of newspaper articles.

### Prof. Thatcher

Helps Yung Wing financially during college, earning his gratitude.

### Carrol Cutler

Classmate and confidant; discusses the Chinese Educational Mission idea with Yung Wing.

## Key lines

> The text carried the day. The benefits which he had been, as it were, singled out from a whole people to receive, his sense of justice and gratitude alike would not let him appropriate to his own advantage.

The scripture verse convinced him that he could not keep the benefits he had received for himself; his sense of justice and gratitude compelled him to use them for his people.

_Yung Wing's decision to return to China is driven by a moral obligation._

> He came to college in his queue and Chinese tunic, but put off both in the course of his first year.

He arrived at Yale wearing his traditional Chinese clothing and hairstyle, but adopted Western attire during his freshman year.

_Illustrates his gradual assimilation into American culture._

> It was in certain long walks and talks he had with his classmate, Carrol Cutler, now president of Western Reserve College, that he opened and discussed the project then forming in his mind of this Chinese Educational Mission.

During walks and conversations with his classmate Carrol Cutler, Yung Wing first shared his idea for the Chinese Educational Mission.

_The origin of the educational mission idea._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se/chapters/in-yale-college
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_life_in_china_and_america_se/chapters