From Med School Prep to Mandarin: Adam Syed’s Story

Adam Syed, a pre-med student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shares his transformative journey from studying for the MCAT to becoming an intermediate Chinese learner. Inspired by books like 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down' and 'Lady Tan's Circle of Women,' Adam began learning Chinese as a creative outlet during his stressful MCAT prep. He found motivation in hearing Chinese students at the engineering library and began practicing with them, eventually taking university courses that provided structure and community. His breakthrough came when he learned about radicals in Chinese characters, which demystified writing. Adam emphasizes that language is about connection, not perfection, and credits consistent practice, real-life interactions, and his Instagram account 'kidlearningchinese' for keeping him engaged. His goal is to become a culturally competent physician, with future plans to study healthcare systems in Taiwan and serve Chinese-speaking patients. His story highlights how learning Chinese has reshaped his worldview, deepened his empathy, and inspired a holistic approach to healthcare. The episode underscores the power of small, consistent actions—like saying 'ni hao'—in building confidence and meaningful relationships. Adam’s advice to aspiring learners is twofold: master pinyin and pronunciation early, and overcome fear of embarrassment by speaking from the start. His journey reflects how language learning can be both a personal and professional catalyst, especially in fields like medicine where cultural humility and communication are paramount. His viral Instagram content, blending humor and vulnerability, also shows how sharing the learning process can inspire others and create community.