We Are Knox...

"Forging a community here in China is becoming more and more important."

For Sable Helvie '08 and Abigail Kramer '08, Knox College has given them
more than an education. Halfway around the world, it has given them new
friendships, memories, and a sense of community in a foreign land.

Helvie and Kramer met their sophomore year at Knox and studied abroad at the same time in Spain, traveling together through Budapest, Hungary, during spring break. They enjoyed the experience, and decided to partner again when they graduated, finding positions as teachers at a boarding school in Suzhou, China.

Much of their time has been spent introducing Chinese children to the English language. But they've also spent a lot of their time in the country contacting Knox alumni who are living and working in China. Their goal is to establish a network of alumni in the country and bridge the gap between Knox and China for prospective and admitted students.

Last spring, a group of six Knox alumni, two prospective students, and one prospective parent met in Shanghai for the first ever Shanghai Knox reunion. "Despite the age gaps, the conversation flowed more than the sake as alumni recounted their tales of being Knox students," said Helvie.

In addition to Helvie and Kramer, alumni at the event included Gina Tojo ‘81, Lynne and David Moo '00, and Robin Soto ‘06. Up until a month prior to their meeting, Soto thought she was the only Knox alumnus in the country. "I just randomly read the Gizmogram and found out that there were two recent Knox graduates in China! I had no idea. Suzhou is so close, we are practically neighbors!"

The conversation at the reunion started with tales of studying abroad, of going for coffee with interesting professors, and of course, Flunk Day. Then the conversation shifted to the struggles of being a foreigner living and working in China. Advice, as well as business cards, were exchanged. "In a way, living here is much like going to college all over again," says Helvie. "One has to readjust to new ways and new perspectives while learning to fend for one's self in a new environment. In such a case, it's only natural to seek out connections that share a common link.

"Forging a community here in China is becoming more and more important, not only for the alumni here, but also for the campus back in Galesburg," she continued. "Every year Knox is becoming more and more tied to this country as the Chinese student population and the interest in Asian Studies increases. As these students graduate, the alumni community in China will be extremely beneficial."
Helvie and Kramer have set up a blog of their experience and profiles of alumni they have met in China at www.knoxinchina.blogspot.com.