College of Arts and Sciences

Maggie Zheng '26

BA Asian and Asian American Studies - Chinese Teacher Prep
Minor in China Studies

 

Female with long brown hair wears a white blouseOn Stony Brook:

I chose Stony Brook because of its strong academic rankings and reputation. I also wanted to attend a school that was excellent but still close to home.

On her major and minor:

I am majoring in Asian and Asian American Studies on the Chinese Education track, with a minor in China Studies. My path started in 5th grade, when we were all asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I always answered "teacher" — but I didn't know what subject until high school. After taking several Chinese language classes (and continuing with upper-level Chinese courses at Stony Brook), I fell in love with the language and culture. Combining the two things I love most — teaching and Chinese — felt like the most natural decision.

Favorite class:

Honestly, I loved all of my classes. Every course in my major deepened my love for the language and my understanding of how to teach it, and I'm grateful for each one.

Interests and accomplishments:

  •     Dean's List, 2022-2026
  •     2026 Shiming Hu / Eli Seifman Memorial Leadership Scholarship
  •     World Language Teacher Preparation Award
  •     Student teacher at Northshore High School and Southwoods Middle School
  •     TA CHI 120, Fall ‘25
  •     Asian and Asian American Studies Majors and Minors Open House Speaker
  •     Outside of college: Play badminton, play HOK, and hang out with friends

Advice for potential Seawolves: 

Step out of your comfort zone. That's one of my few regrets. Go to more clubs and events. Make more friends. The connections you build outside the classroom are just as important as the ones you build inside it.