On December 7th, 2024, the winter sunlight of Southern California streamed through the windows and bathed the banquet hall, creating a soft and bright atmosphere inside. The Chinese American Foundation was hosting the farewell party for the "Walking Across China, Seeking the Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine" Winter Camp.

On October 18th, 2024, Chinese American Foundation, in collaboration with Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), successfully organized a grand event celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, witnessing the introduction and flourishing of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the U.S. During the event, Dean Jenny Yu summarized the history of TCM, focusing on its development, current status, and future prospects in the United States. Her passionate and well-founded speech deeply attracted and moved the attendees. Less than two months after the event, thanks to the combined efforts of many, excellent students from SCU’s School of Traditional Chinese Medicine were able to go to China to participate in the "Walking Across China, Seeking the Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine" Winter Camp, which is the reason for today's farewell event.

The President of the American Chinese Heritage Foundation, Mr. Joey Yu, began by expressing his gratitude to all the guests present. He noted that this winter camp opportunity was especially precious for the students who had never been to China. In particular, the itinerary includes visiting Shanghai, an internationally renowned city often compared to New York or Dubai.

He said: "From the arrangement of this trip, we can feel the meticulous attention and thoughtfulness of the Shanghai Trade School. They not only arranged visits to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine but also organized a tour of the TCM Museum. Afterward, the group will head to Kunming to explore the origin of Chinese herbal medicine."

Additionally, Mr. Yu expressed special thanks to the Foundation's senior advisor, Ms. Yvette Yang, who is also the Chairwoman of the United Chinese American Association. Ms. Yang put in significant effort behind the scenes to ensure the smooth arrangements for SCU students traveling to China. She dedicated valuable time, communicated and negotiated with various parties in China, and arranged the trip, ultimately making this meaningful journey possible.

The Chairman of the American Chinese Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors, Ms. Sher Li, said: "I sincerely congratulate the students from the Southern California University of Traditional Chinese Medicine who will be participating in the 'Walking Across China, Seeking the Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine' Winter Camp! If this is your first time to China, it will be an unforgettable experience. The culture, food, and beautiful scenery will leave a deep impression on you, and be sure to experience China’s high-speed rail."

Ms. Li also expressed heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to making this event possible. Within such a short time, Mr. Joey Yu, Chairwoman Yvette Yang, SCU Dean Jenny Yu, and the team at the Shanghai Trade School worked together, quickly facilitating and successfully organizing this event. He took the opportunity to especially thank the Foundation’s Vice Chairman Simon Shao Wen, senior advisors Kin Hui, Selina Zeng, Rihua Li, Zhuang Ma, and others for their strong support. He also thanked the Chinese American Foundation for its ongoing support of the Foundation's work!

Finally, he sincerely wished the team traveling to the winter camp a safe journey and an enjoyable experience. He encouraged everyone to explore the origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, ensuring the journey would be meaningful and valuable. He wished everyone a joyful Christmas in China!

Dean Jenny Yu of SCU expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Chinese  American Foundation and the Shanghai Trade School. SCU is excited about the "Walking Across China, Seeking the Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine" Winter Camp. Most of the participants are visiting China for the first time. Dean Yu encouraged the group to make the most of this opportunity to learn, observe, and listen in the great land where Traditional Chinese Medicine originated. She also encouraged them to ask questions and engage in meaningful exchanges. She wished them a fruitful trip!

The Honorary Chairman of the Chinese American Foundation, Mr. Shao Wen, delivered a speech, emphasizing the great significance of this educational trip to trace the roots of Chinese Medicine. He expressed excitement about the winter camp’s success, especially as Christmas approaches. He highlighted the meaningfulness of traveling to China during the holidays, leaving family reunions behind to search for the roots of Chinese Medicine. He was confident that everyone would gain valuable insights from the trip. Christmas in China is also celebrated with great enthusiasm, and he believed the group would enjoy the festive atmosphere there.

Mr. Shao further mentioned that under the leadership of President Joey Yu and Chairwoman Sher Li would continue to support their work, studies, and efforts to promote Traditional Chinese Medicine in the United States. Even though they are in the U.S., the Foundation will always be following the students’ journeys, and they can contact the Foundation at any time if they face challenges in China. The Foundation is committed to providing timely help and wished the students a pleasant journey.

Student representatives Madison Park and Haeni Kim also delivered speeches, sincerely thanking the Chinese American Foundation for generously sponsoring their international student trip, providing visa assistance, and organizing the wonderful luncheon. They expressed that the Foundation’s support made this rare opportunity possible, allowing them to broaden their horizons, build meaningful connections, and experience rich cultural exchanges. The resources provided by the Foundation were both inspiring and impactful. "Thank you for believing in us and investing in our future. As we continue to grow and strive for excellence, your kindness will always remain a cherished memory," they said. The students also created a thank-you plaque for the Foundation, which they presented with a group photo.

The thank-you plaque made by the students of Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Jenny Yu, Dean of the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences (third from left), and student representative Madison Park (fourth from left) present a thank-you plaque to Mei Hua Foundation President Joey Yu (second from left), Board Chairman Sher Li (fourth from right), Vice Chairman Simon Shao (second from right), Senior Advisors Kin Hui (first from right), Selina Zeng (second from right), and Zhuang (first from left).

Guests attending the farewell event included Chinese American Foundation President Joey Yu (front left four), Board Chairwoman Sher Li (front right four), Honorary Chairman of Chnese American Foundation and Vice Chairman Simon Shao (front right three), Senior Advisors of Chinese American Foundation Kin Hui (front right one), Rihua Li (front left one), Selina Zeng (front right two), Zhuang Ma (front left two); faculty and students from Southern California University of Health Sciences including Jenny Yu (front left three), Sivarama Prasad Vinjamury, Manjusha Vinjamury, Blake Daniels, Tatiana Mikhailova, Erica Matiarena, Madison Park, Amia Weiss, Massiel Guillen, Erika Hernandez, Haeni Kim.