Hailing from rural Kentucky, Bradley was not familiar with Asian cultures or languages. However, when a teacher introduced him to the NSLI-Y program, he was immediately drawn to the idea of learning Chinese. Driven by a curiosity to explore something entirely new, Bradley saw studying Chinese as an exciting adventure and an opportunity to challenge himself in ways he had never expected.​

Participating in the NSLI-Y summer program was a crucial turning point for Bradley. Not only did it improve his language skills, but it also gave him the confidence to pursue Mandarin academically and professionally. Reflecting on his favorite NSLI-Y memory, Bradley recalled an interaction with his host father: “I brought gifts for my host family, and my host father absolutely loved a t-shirt that said, ‘Number 1 Dad.’ When I gave it to him, he had this massive smile on ​his face, and then he took me out for fried dumplings.” Despite the language barrier that existed between them, this small interaction helped create a meaningful bond.​

Encouraged by his summer program, Bradley applied for the NSLI-Y Academic Year program as a gap year. This extended immersion program significantly enhanced his Mandarin proficiency, allowing him to reach an advanced level. It also gave him a unique opportunity to meet people from around the world, specifically other international students from Japan and Korea. Since they did not share a common language in English, these interactions compelled Bradley to use Mandarin as his primary means of communication, fostering continued immersion through cross-cultural connections.​

After completing the academic year program, Bradley pursued his undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University, where he tested out of several Chinese classes. This allowed him to dedicate more time on other experiences, such as studying abroad in Korea and participating in the Flagship program to Nanjing, China. Upon returning to the US, he worked as a Mandarin medical interpreter before moving to Korea to teach English. While in Korea, a Flagship peer recommended Bradley pursue a Chinese-speaking master’s program at National Taiwan University for international business, where he is now finishing his last semester. Bradley shares that adapting to the local dialect in Taiwan was initially challenging, but taking classes in Mandarin with Taiwanese peers helped him adjust to the accent and vocabulary. While in Taiwan, he has also interned at the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei and currently works for Talent Taiwan, an organization that assists with immigration.​

When asked about what advice he would have for other NSLI-Y participants and alumni, Bradley emphasized the importance of making connections and studying in a country where your target language is spoken. “NSLI-Y helped me to live, work, and study abroad. We are like a big family, so make friends and network — those connections matter. For alumni, studying in a country where your target language is spoken is crucial. If I had studied through an English program in Taiwan or in the US, my Chinese skills and cultural understanding would not be what they are today. Experiencing different environments is very important in broadening your perspective on languages and cultures.”​

He found the NSLI-Y program to be a transformative journey that opened many doors and left a host of memorable experiences. It led him to see the Japanese Emperor deliver his final New Year’s address, witness a US President on a state visit to South Korea, and even being able to briefly speak with the President of Taiwan. His journey that began a decade ago with NSLI-Y continues to this day and carries him into the future.​