Jason Feldman, 17
The Weber School, junior
Many people first saw Beijing, China, on television last month as they watched the Summer Olympics. But Jason Feldman, the son of Jody and Michael Feldman, experienced all that the city has to offer when he traveled there with the People to People Student Ambassador Program from June 13 to 28.
“I got to see a part of the world that most people don’t see, and I got to see the differences between a democracy and a communist country,” he said. “I’m being offered what most people don’t get offered.”
To participate in People to People, students must be nominated. Information meetings are held for nominated students and their families, and students who want to take part must pass an interview to be accepted.
In addition to visiting Beijing, Jason’s group also went to Xi’an, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Jason visited the Great Wall of China, participated in Peace Through Dialogue, met with local people, and learned about daily life in China.
“It was an experience of a lifetime,” Jason said, noting his interest in Chinese culture and the vast differences between life in China and the United States.
In addition to culture and international diplomacy, Jason has a strong interest in theater. Because his mother is the casting director at the Alliance Theatre, he has acted since he was young. Throughout middle school, Jason participated in theatrical productions at the Fox Theatre, including The Wizard of Oz.
When The Weber School presented its first theatrical production, Little Shop of Horrors, last year, Jason played Seymour Krelborn, one of the lead characters.
“It breaks down a barrier for me,” Jason said about acting. “You’re creating your own character.”
At Weber, Jason has been in the student government and is a student ambassador leader. His duties include organizing activities for student visit days, participating in student panels and leading families of prospective students on tours of the school.
What’s Next:
After high school, Jason hopes to study either acting or journalism and communications. Although his top choice for college is the College of Charleston, he is also considering the University of Georgia and Boston University.