By: Leona Falconer
Chunbo Ren in Yantai, Shandong province in eastern China during sabbatical leave.
More than 15 years ago, Chunbo (Richard) Ren embarked on a journey that would shape his life in ways he could have never imagined. Leaving behind his home in Beijing, China, he set out for the United States with a singular goal in mind: to pursue higher education and earn his Ph.D. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of determination, a respected professor at CMU and, most recently, a Culturs Central ambassador.
Ren's roots trace back to Yantai, China, where he spent his formative years before venturing into the bustling city of Beijing. There, he immersed himself in the world of public relations, honing his skills with Weber Shandwick, a global marketing communications agency. Throughout his time with the firm, Ren worked with many major health care and consumer clients, such as Pfizer, Bayer Healthcare, P&G, L’Oreal and Nestle.
Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of agency life, Ren nurtured a dream, one that would lead him across continents and oceans. He was intent on furthering his education in the U.S. and earning a Ph.D.
Ren was ultimately accepted at Washington State University to earn his doctorate in health communication. This meant leaving behind Beijing – and everything he had known his entire life – for a brand new start. The journey began with a life-changing flight from Beijing, China to Pullman, Washington.
"I was definitely nervous, but most of all extremely excited to be starting a new chapter," Ren reminisced. "I took pictures of everything on my flight over, and I remember thinking, 'this is the start of my dream.'"
Ren not only had to adjust to a whole new country and culture, but found the most staggering change to be going from a big city to rural farmland. The transition from the sprawling metropolis of Beijing to the rural landscapes of Pullman proved to be a monumental adjustment.
"It is challenging to leave behind your home country for a brand new lifestyle, especially going from a large city like Beijing to a small town," Ren reflected. "But I was determined to stick it out for my education."
As an international student, Ren is considered a Third Culture Adult, a term used to define individuals who travel extensively or live in global locations after the age of 18. Being a part of this group often presents challenges, especially as these individuals struggle to find a balance between their native culture and the one they are presently living in.
While the initial months were a whirlwind of excitement and discovery, the novelty soon began to wear off and Ren was confronted with the reality of his situation. He was in an unfamiliar environment with an incredibly stressful amount of school work.
The rigorous demands of his doctoral program, along with the nuances of American life, posed mental and emotional challenges. The struggles of being an international student truly began to set in.
Cultural differences, incidents of discrimination and language barriers tested his resolve. Yet, it was during these trials that Ren discovered his resilience and pushed on for his education.
Learning a new culture and lifestyle takes time. Adjusting to American life was a process, and one that Ren embraced wholeheartedly. He discovered a passion for travel, using all of his free time to visit other parts of the U.S. and to learn more about his new home.
Even when others were rude or discriminatory, he refused to let it affect him. During his first Halloween at WSU, he was observing the festivities with a large group of international students, as it was their first-ever Halloween. Unfortunately, they were harassed by a group of domestic students who yelled at them, attacking their Asian heritage.
“Some of my friends were very upset,” Ren said. “But I just remember thinking that I was there for the right reasons, and had just as much of a right to be attending school as the boys who yelled at us. I try not to let those with closed-minded views affect me.”
Ren also dealt with language barriers. It was not only challenging to constantly be internally translating, but trying to understand American slang as well.
"I hardly spoke my first year," Ren admitted. "But as I immersed myself in teaching as part of my Ph.D. work, I found my voice and my passion for education."
Upon completing his doctoral studies, Ren embarked on a new chapter as a professor at Central Michigan University. For over a decade, he has dedicated himself to shaping the minds of future PR professionals, infusing his classes with international perspectives and cultural insights.
As CMU is a rural, predominantly white institution, he works to bring a diverse perspective to its students and the campus community whenever possible.
"As a Chinese professor at CMU, I do my best to bring my culture into the classroom and share it with the students," Ren explained. "I use international case studies and guest speak in classes related to diversity and culture. Before the pandemic, I also coordinated an exchange program between CMU and Yantai University, the school located in my hometown."
Yet, amidst his integration into American academia, Ren remains grounded in his roots. While he acknowledges America as his home, he cherishes the influence of his native culture, recognizing that it will forever shape his identity.
"I tried so hard to know the American culture and act and think like an American," Ren said. "But eventually, I came to terms with the fact that I grew up in a different country and will always have that influence. I think as long as you appreciate and enjoy the culture, trying to make a positive contribution, that is all that matters."
In a world marked by borders and boundaries, Ren continues to bridge cultures and foster human connection.
For international students that relate to Ren’s story and want to see more like it, check out Culturs Magazine.