Hi, I’m Ziran Yuan, an immigrant, a student journalist, activist, pianist, opera fanatic, blackbelt, and last but not least, elder sibling to my brother and sister.

I came to the United States with my family when I was seven. Back then, I was learning everything from the start, not just a new language, but a new way of seeing.

Over time, that curiosity became action: in civic work, in storytelling, and in small moments with my family.

This website showcases my political activism, including my successful campaign to enshrine Lunar New Year in New Jersey State law, as well as my work lobbying Congress as a Program Coordinator in the United Chinese Americans Youth Council and my canvassing to turn out the vote in the past two election cycles.You can read more about my seventeen published profiles, drawn from over thirty individual interviews with state senators, local representatives, U.S. military veterans, and community figures.

You will find two independent research projects I personally undertook, on Bruce Lee’s influence on African American liberation and on the American missionary Minnie Vautrin, and my music, sports, and a few personal memorabilia.

Thanks for your time and attention!

1. Civic Engagement

Lunar New Year Bill

I first noticed that the California State legislature had recently passed a Lunar New Year bill. When I asked my history teacher about the possibility of enacting similar legislation in New Jersey, he encouraged me to give it a shot myself.

Lunar New Year Bill

I first noticed that the California State legislature had recently passed a Lunar New Year bill. When I asked my history teacher about the possibility of enacting similar legislation in New Jersey, he encouraged me to give it a shot myself.

Lunar New Year Bill

I first noticed that the California State legislature had recently passed a Lunar New Year bill. When I asked my history teacher about the possibility of enacting similar legislation in New Jersey, he encouraged me to give it a shot myself.

Learning the System: Inside and Outside the Legislature

Learning the System: Inside and Outside the Legislature

Learning the System: Inside and Outside the Legislature

Broadening my Horizons: From New Jersey to D.C.

UCA Civic Walk

Broadening my Horizons: From New Jersey to D.C.

UCA Civic Walk

Broadening my Horizons: From New Jersey to D.C.

UCA Civic Walk

2. Journalism

Over the past three years, I’ve listened to veterans’ memories and community stories, from political offices to conversations across continents.

Conversations with Leaders — From Town Halls to Capitol Hill

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Conversations with Leaders — From Town Halls to Capitol Hill

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Conversations with Leaders — From Town Halls to Capitol Hill

Stories of Home — Finding Depth in the Ordinary

As I wrote for the local Chinese newspaper (13 interviews in 3 years), I found myself drawn to smaller stories — the principal creating bilingual programs, the volunteer helping new families feel at home. These weren’t front-page headlines, but they revealed the quiet work that holds a community together.

Stories of Home — Finding Depth in the Ordinary

As I wrote for the local Chinese newspaper (13 interviews in 3 years), I found myself drawn to smaller stories — the principal creating bilingual programs, the volunteer helping new families feel at home. These weren’t front-page headlines, but they revealed the quiet work that holds a community together.

Stories of Home — Finding Depth in the Ordinary

As I wrote for the local Chinese newspaper (13 interviews in 3 years), I found myself drawn to smaller stories — the principal creating bilingual programs, the volunteer helping new families feel at home. These weren’t front-page headlines, but they revealed the quiet work that holds a community together.

Echoes of Memory — Interviews with Veterans

Through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, I interviewed veterans from Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korea.

Echoes of Memory — Interviews with Veterans

Through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, I interviewed veterans from Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korea.

Echoes of Memory — Interviews with Veterans

Through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, I interviewed veterans from Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korea.

High School, Around the World

For a piece in my school newspaper, I interviewed more than 20 students from 20 different countries about their high school experiences.

High School, Around the World

For a piece in my school newspaper, I interviewed more than 20 students from 20 different countries about their high school experiences.

High School, Around the World

For a piece in my school newspaper, I interviewed more than 20 students from 20 different countries about their high school experiences.

3. Research

Vautrin and the Weight of Witness

After hearing my grandfather's eyewitness stories of the Nanjing Massacre, I became interested in the American missionary Minnie Vautrin who protected thousands of Chinese citizens from Japanese troops. I embarked on a creative research paper, reading her memoirs, and paid a pilgrimage to her gravesite.

Vautrin and the Weight of Witness

After hearing my grandfather's eyewitness stories of the Nanjing Massacre, I became interested in the American missionary Minnie Vautrin who protected thousands of Chinese citizens from Japanese troops. I embarked on a creative research paper, reading her memoirs, and paid a pilgrimage to her gravesite.

Vautrin and the Weight of Witness

After hearing my grandfather's eyewitness stories of the Nanjing Massacre, I became interested in the American missionary Minnie Vautrin who protected thousands of Chinese citizens from Japanese troops. I embarked on a creative research paper, reading her memoirs, and paid a pilgrimage to her gravesite.

Bruce Lee and the Language of Liberation

In studying Bruce Lee’s influence on the Black civil rights movement, I discovered how his films, born in Hong Kong but embraced in Harlem, became symbols of dignity and defiance. For audiences who had long been silenced, his speed and grace offered recognition.

Bruce Lee and the Language of Liberation

In studying Bruce Lee’s influence on the Black civil rights movement, I discovered how his films, born in Hong Kong but embraced in Harlem, became symbols of dignity and defiance. For audiences who had long been silenced, his speed and grace offered recognition.

Bruce Lee and the Language of Liberation

In studying Bruce Lee’s influence on the Black civil rights movement, I discovered how his films, born in Hong Kong but embraced in Harlem, became symbols of dignity and defiance. For audiences who had long been silenced, his speed and grace offered recognition.

Music, Movement, Memories

My Piano Portfolio

My Piano Portfolio

My Piano Portfolio

Movement

Movement

Movement

My Music Journey

My Music Journey

My Music Journey

Memories

Memories

Memories