Sara and Ally Salazar, sisters born in Wisconsin and raised in Houston, Texas, are embarking on an exciting new chapter at Duke Kunshan University (DKU). With Guatemalan and Caucasian heritage, the Salazar sisters bring a vibrant mix of cultures, talents, and ambitions to their studies in China. Their journey is a testament to embracing challenges and bridging cultures through shared experiences.
Sara Salazar: The Marathon Runner with Mandarin Dreams
Sara Salazar brings a dynamic blend of athleticism, cultural curiosity, and academic ambition to DKU. Growing up in a multicultural household, Sara’s open-mindedness was shaped by her Guatemalan mother and Caucasian father. Adding to the excitement of her DKU journey is the fact that her younger sister, Ally, is also part of the incoming class.
Sara is no stranger to challenges—she recently completed her first marathon, an experience she describes as both grueling and empowering. In addition to running, she’s an accomplished athlete who enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming.
“Sports have taught me the value of resilience and teamwork,” she says. “These are traits I’m excited to carry into my DKU experience.”
Her connection to Chinese culture began 12 years ago when she and Ally joined a Mandarin immersion school in Houston.
“At first, it was just another class, but soon it became a lifelong passion,” she explains.
Over the years, Sara has immersed herself in Chinese traditions, from calligraphy to cooking, but she’s never had the opportunity to visit China—until now.
“Everything will be new to me, and I’m excited to experience it all firsthand,” she says.
Academically, Sara plans to combine her love of Mandarin with business or economics, preparing for a future in international business.
“I chose DKU because of its global mindset,” Sara says. “The diverse community and interdisciplinary approach create the perfect environment to learn and grow.”
Sara expects studying abroad will come with challenges, but she is ready to face them head-on.
“Adjusting to life in a new country and adapting to college-level academics will push me out of my comfort zone,” she says.
To overcome these obstacles, Sara plans to engage with peers and professors while keeping an open mind.
“Why set fixed expectations? I’d rather stay flexible and let the experience surprise me,” she adds.
Outside the classroom, Sara is eager to explore China’s rich culture, from Kunshan’s picturesque water towns to Shanghai’s bustling streets.
“I want to understand China beyond the textbooks—by meeting locals, trying the cuisine, and immersing myself in daily life,” she says.
For Sara, DKU is more than just a university—it’s a chance to grow academically, personally, and globally.
“I believe that DKU will not only help me achieve my career goals but also shape me into a global citizen,” she says. “I want to carry the lessons I learn here into the world and represent DKU with pride.”
Ally Salazar: The Singing Scientist with Global Aspirations
Ally Salazar, Sara’s younger sister, shares her sibling’s enthusiasm for Mandarin and Chinese culture but is blazing her own unique trail at DKU.
“Growing up in a multicultural household taught me how to connect with people from different backgrounds,” she says.
Like her sister, Ally has been studying Mandarin for over 12 years, an experience that not only introduced her to the language but also sparked a love for Chinese traditions, music, and cuisine. She and Sara have competed in Chinese singing competitions, an experience Ally describes as unforgettable.
“It’s amazing how music can bridge cultural gaps,” she says. Singing Chinese pop songs helped her develop a deeper connection to the language and its nuances.
While her artistic side shines through her love for music, Ally is also deeply passionate about science. She plans to major in Molecular Biosciences and dreams of a career in medicine.
“I’m excited to learn in a global setting and see how my studies can impact health worldwide,” she says.
Ally believes DKU’s interdisciplinary curriculum, combined with its cutting-edge research opportunities, will provide her with the tools she needs to succeed.
Ally anticipates that adjusting to life in China and college will be challenging, but she feels ready for the adventure.
“Sometimes I get so excited about living in China that I almost forget I’m going there to study!” she jokes.
Having Sara on campus provides extra support, and Ally is looking forward to sharing the journey with her sister while carving out her own experiences.
Beyond academics, Ally is eager to immerse herself in Chinese culture.
“I want to explore Kunshan, Shanghai, and Suzhou, try authentic Chinese dishes, and learn from the locals,” she says.
Ally also plans to participate in DKU’s cultural exchange activities, where she hopes to share her own background while learning from her international peers.
“I see myself as a bridge between cultures,” Ally explains. “Whether it’s through music, science, or simple conversations, I hope to connect people and foster understanding.”
As Ally embarks on her DKU journey, she looks forward to the challenges and growth that lie ahead.
“DKU is the perfect place to grow into who we’re meant to be,” Ally says. “We’re ready to embrace every opportunity and make the most of our time here.”
