By Kevin Kern ’27
Dr. Yunchiahn Sena is the newest addition to the Chaminade world language department. Commuting to Chaminade every week from her home in Boston to Chaminade demonstrates her dedication to her Chinese classes and to the Chaminade community.
Dr. Sena earned degrees from several colleges, most notably the University of Chicago, where she studied Chinese culture and art, and the Beijing Language and Culture University, where she studied teaching Chinese to non-native speakers, more specifically to English speakers looking to learn the Chinese language.
When asked what drove her to become a teacher, Dr. Sena brought up many different reasons. She comes from a long line of teachers, and is a 4th generation teacher. Four of Dr. Sena’s siblings are also teachers. This is mainly because in Taiwan, teaching is a very respected profession. Another reason Dr. Sena wanted to become a teacher was because of her desire to inspire the lives of students. When speaking of this, she referenced an ancient Chinese proverb, “十年树木，百年树人,” which translates to “It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a century to raise humans.” The proverb points out how much effort it takes to shape the life of a person and to cultivate proper humanity in our society. She is proud to be a part of that effort.
After completing her degree in Chicago, Dr. Sena would go on to teach her first class on “collecting,” and the idea behind why you collect certain things and how it reveals your identity and the type of person you are. She later taught Chinese culture, something in which she takes great interest. Dr. Sena made sure to emphasize that by understanding one’s culture, one can better understand one’s heritage and oneself. Before joining the Chaminade community, Dr. Sena taught at several colleges, and high schools, including the University of Massachusetts and Phillips Exeter Academy.
What really drew Dr. Sena to Chaminade is how the school’s mindset contrasts with other high schools. In the other schools where she taught, students only cared about grades and didn’t have a develop a true identity. The difference at Chaminade is noticeable, and she states how this is likely due to the spiritual aspect of Chaminade, which allows students to both excel academically and in their shared faith.
In addition to teaching Chinese, Dr. Sena is also the moderator of the Chinese Club, where students learn Chinese culture through stories, games, and cooking. She recently took on the role of head coach of Chaminade’s riflery team, relying on her military training as a markswoman. If ever given the opportunity to start a club in the future, Dr. Sena spoke about how she would love to be able to start a club that fosters an understanding of visual art, something that she takes great interest in and would love to be able to share with students here at Chaminade.
Finally, when asked about one piece of advice that she would give to all students here at Chaminade, she responded, “Be a nice person” – — simple, yet very important advice.
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