Joel Overfelt

Tell us about your experiences since leaving KU

I was originally on track to major in Chinese Language & Literature, however after returning from a Summer abroad in Kunming for an intensive language immersion program at Yunnan University, I changed some courses around and graduated in December of 2017 – a semester early. After graduation, I left straight away to live in Kunming City, Yunnan Province and teach English while honing my language skills. During my time living in Kuming, I travelled to Chengdu, where I took and passed the HSK 6 test at Chengdu Normal University. In January of 2021 I returned to Kansas City, MO. I now work as a financial account representative at RTS Financial in Overland Park, KS on the Mandarin speaking team. We work with Mandarin-speaking trucking companies throughout the US, and I personally have a client portfolio of over 50 mandarin-speaking clients whom I assist and interact with on a regular basis. My experience has also led to an opportunity to be a part of the KCCA (Kansas City Chinese Association), where I help plan events for the local Chinese community. On a personal note, I met my wife while studying at Yunnan University, and she came back to live in the US with me.

Tell us about your time studying in EALC

I started learning Mandarin in high school, where I was also fortunate enough to take two different educational trips to China. This sparked my lifelong passion and dream to master the language. When it came time to apply for college, the only major that made sense to pursue for me was something to do with learning about the Chinese language and culture. Considering the well-deserved recognition that EALC gets for being one of the best programs of its kind, deciding on a university to attend was an easy choice. Most of the courses for my major at KU were related to Chinese language and/or culture. Aside from the regular Mandarin language classes, one class that really stood out and had an impact on my time studying in EALC was Classical Chinese – taught by Professor Crispin Williams.  What had originally piqued my interest in learning about Chinese language and culture was analysing the character-based writing system. I was fascinated by the stories told within each of the different characters. Classical Chinese provided insight and a more direct path into the origins and evolution of these characters, while simultaneously allowing me to use these characters to study classic texts by some of China’s greatest philosophers and critical thinkers throughout history. Some of my favourite memories in EALC involved forging friendships and having fun with the small group of my classmates whom were also studying Chinese. We helped inspire and encourage each other to continue on the language-learning path. The most notable experience during my time studying in EALC was definitely taking the opportunity to study abroad in Kunming. This experience – towards the end of my journey in EALC – provided me a clear path to what I would do after graduation. It also directly led to me meeting my wife and gaining so many other unbelievable experiences living in China which I will never forget.

Inspiring thoughts

To anyone considering studying in EALC, I would say that there is no better place to cultivate your interest in East Asian languages and cultures. The professors and courses are ideal resources to help you along the path to discovering what kind of future you would like to have. This is not to say that absorbing and applying the knowledge they provide will be easy, but if you are willing to work diligently and keep your own goals in mind, then I have no doubt you will succeed. To the current students in EALC, I would congratulate you on the dedication to becoming knowledgeable about East Asian languages and cultures, and I would encourage you to continue on this path no matter how difficult it may get. Anything worth having is not easily obtained, and that sentiment rings especially true when it comes to seeking knowledge. When you come across seemingly unbearable difficulties, I have found it helpful to take a moment to think about how far you have already come. Gaining this perspective will discourage giving up when you feel like there is no other choice.