Building connections

Kail's interest in WWII began before school. His grandfather was a captain in the US military in the Pacific. "The history of WWII was extremely significant to both my grandparents, and to my upbringing," he says.

The war deeply shaped his grandparents' lives, but like many in the US, his knowledge of China and its people, history and culture was limited. "Over the past two years, I have dedicated time to learning as much as I can about China," he says. "I've been reading books about Chinese history and culture, and studying Mandarin.

"I believe that many people in the US still know very little about China, often only bits and pieces from the news. We should take the time to know more about this populous country and its long history," Kail says. "I have made a lot of progress, and I am looking forward to making even more on this trip."

Kail began his trip in Beijing, and spent time in Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangsu province — where he visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

"I am expecting this trip to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. After studying China, I am excited to finally see it with my own eyes," Kail says. "Most importantly, this trip marks the beginning of my lifelong journey as a representative of peace, friendship and unity between two great nations."

During his time in Beijing, the American managed to glimpse the real China, which he says is different from what he learned in the US. "To be honest, there seems to be some bias in US media," he says.

He gives an example to back up his statement. "Beijing is a very clean city," he says, adding that it is often portrayed in US media as dirty and polluted.

This year, Kail has made it his mission to foster understanding through cultural exchange between China and the US.

"I believe that the key to peace is communication, and the key to communication is understanding. The best way for the two peoples to understand each other is through the medium of culture. I am excited to build upon this vision," he says.