iNTRODUCTION
On October 25, 2024, we had the honor of welcoming Dr. Lusha Liu, a professor at Harvard Medical School, for a compelling session focused on generational conflict, mental health, and cross-cultural challenges experienced by international students. Dr. Liu’s approach was both insightful and accessible, as she introduced the SWEET model—a practical framework designed to help individuals navigate daily cross-cultural challenges with ease and clarity.
Dr. Liu’s presentation was notably engaging and relatable, as she avoided complex professional jargon and used humor to connect with the audience. Her talk was structured around real-life examples, including one particularly impactful story of a student she counseled who had been experiencing anxiety due to unsatisfactory grades. Dr. Liu guided this student with specific advice on how to openly communicate with his professor and reflect on his own perceptions and expectations. Through this process, the student was able to overcome his frustrations, improve his grades, and ultimately achieve a renewed sense of mental well-being. This example provided attendees with a concrete illustration of the SWEET model in action and underscored the importance of self-reflection in managing cross-cultural misunderstandings.
In addition to discussing cross-cultural strategies, Dr. Liu delved into her latest research on dreams and mental health.
She highlighted that:
Dr. Liu encouraged attendees to take a moment each morning to reflect on their dreams, as this practice can provide valuable insights into one’s mental state. This research resonated with the audience, adding a new dimension to understanding mental wellness.
The event also included an interactive Q&A session, where attendees posed insightful questions. Dr. Liu responded thoughtfully, providing detailed answers and sharing further examples from her own experience to bring her concepts to life. Her candid and supportive responses left a strong impression on attendees, giving them new strategies to manage cross-cultural issues and foster mental resilience.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Liu for her impactful and approachable presentation, as well as to the students from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey—Ravenne Poon, Zihan Huang, Qianxun Wu, Yibo Zhao, Jiahui Lin, Michaela Jones, and Lucas Gibbs—for their excellent simultaneous interpretation, which made this session accessible to a broader audience.
We would also like to thank our moderator, Barbara Zhang, for skillfully guiding the discussion and creating an environment that encouraged open dialogue and reflection. Finally, we extend our appreciation to all attendees for their thoughtful engagement and contributions. We look forward to more insightful events and to continuing this important conversation on cross-cultural understanding and mental well-being.
Here’s the recap video:
