Joseph Zou, '29

Hometown: Sichuan, China

Languages: Mandarin, English

High School: UWC Changshu China

Affiliations (CBO’s, etc.):  UWC Davis Scholar

Major: Undecided

Main Extracurricular Activities: Language Table, Mountain Club Activities

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury?

Turning back the clock to Fall Application Season in 2024, I remembered struggling to decide which college to apply to for my Early Decision to attend until the last few weeks in October. I only have one thought: get away from all the complicated research as quickly as possible. At this time, I saw Middlebury.

Yes, what I mean by “saw” is that I was truly moved by the photos shared by the UWC alumnus I contacted. I came from a small town in the countryside of Sichuan and Changshu, where I studied at UWC, which is also not a huge city in China, but it is still nothing like it compared to seeing the true natural environment here in Middlebury. While some say it distances them from the cities, I really felt that I am more appreciative of my presence in the surroundings now.

Crunching through a hill of fallen leaves or catching the first snow after a long day in the Davis Library, these are the small, perfect moments of nature I treasure. Most essentially, I have the autonomy to stay away from the crowd if I wish to, or join in with my friends and socialize. I have the opportunity to explore things I have never tried out before. Prior to coming to Middlebury, I was considered “not sporty” by my relatives and was asked to step and exercise more, which I declined. Now that I am in a natural beauty like Vermont, you cannot help but volunteer to sign up for outdoors activities–kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Favorite place in Vermont? Favorite place in town?

As a person who is somewhat picky about good-equality food, I am quite enjoying the buffet-style food in our dining halls. More exciting is that there is actually a Chinese Restaurant (named Rice) here in town. The dishes–especially the Sichuan-style Gongbao chicken, Spicy Chicken, and Mapo Tofu are absurdly delicious! Not only that, there are great Indian, Thai, and Mexican restaurants in the town too (even good Boba Shop)! If spicy food is your major concern like me, you probably won’t have the best but you would definitely have super authentic ones here (p.s. check the special manual).

Any tips for incoming students to help them make the most out of their Middlebury experience?

Middlebury is very similar to UWC. Not only are there a lot of us here, but I see similar culture inclusion and willingness to discuss global issues. Unlike a school that only values personal growth and academic success, Middlebury is also a place where students care and talk about inequalities and advocate and practise social justice. It is sometimes a bit comfortable to live the life again like the journey in UWC. After several weeks of adaptation, meet and chat with the domestic students, athletes, and locals. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and enjoy your new experience in Middlebury!