Jenny Xin Luan OC ‘18

Xin Jenny Luan Headshot.JPG
 

Hiroshima, Japan (2018-20)

Jenny Xin Luan ’18, a double major in Psychology and East Asian Studies, is the 2018-2020 Fellow to Hiroshima, Japan. Jenny was born and raised in Beijing, China and came to the United States to attend Oberlin. In addition to her literal journey from China to the U.S., Jenny has traveled through her Oberlin education to find her future calling as a researcher and practicing psychologist, and her wish to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in the future. Jenny also connected her academic study of Japanese to work outside of classes as a Resident Assistant in Asia House, a tutor in the East Asian Studies department, and an assistant in the Cooper International Language Center. Jenny’s high level of fluency in Japanese will stand her in good stead in Hiroshima where she will work at the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and two small local non-profit organizations. At the U.N. agency, Jenny will work on various programs in a diverse international environment that includes people from Japan, Australia, Africa, and the Mideast. At the smaller organizations, Jenny hopes to examine how the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima still affects people’s lives, and give back to the community using her education in psychology and Japanese language. About her future, Jenny states, “I want to be flexible with cultures and languages to translate what I learn in the U.S. into something adaptable in China and the rest of the world. My parents have taught me to give and be happy in my life, and I see this as the best way to do so.”

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Where To Go After Hiroshima
Where To Go After Hiroshima

Jenny Xin Luan ‘18, Hiroshima Fellow

I have spent over 200 days at this desk at the UNITAR office overlooking the Atomic bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. There are only a few months left in my Fellowship to appreciate this view and spend time in this city.

What I Do in Hiroshima
What I Do in Hiroshima

Jenny Xin Luan ‘18, Hiroshima Fellow

Now, my 5-day working week entails one day at ANT and four days at UNITAR including one day for GLH work. As a part of the three-man GLH operation team, I am responsible for website maintenance and communication with our global partners and potential partners. Here is a picture I took for the closest Hibaku Jumoku to the A-bomb hypocenter, the weeping willow, in spring as it is full of life and the brightest shade of green on the river bank.