Eric Zhong Fritsche
Eric Zhong Fritsche, 21, is a third-year first-generation student studying computer science and communications. Zhong Fritsche came to the University of Minnesota for better opportunities and experienced enriching personal growth along the way.
“I’ve not thought about it too much. But I would say that I enrolled in college because I wanted to bring better opportunities for my family, as well as get the opportunities that I will get by going through college — the chance to study abroad, the chance to meet other people from around the world, the chance to actually, like, learn about something more in-depth than I was in rural Minnesota in high school.
Both of them (Zhong Fritsche’s parents) supported it, mainly because they’ve tried their hardest, given that I grew up in rural Minnesota, where the school’s curriculum isn’t that great or challenging —- at least compared to what I’ve heard from some of the Twin Cities high schools. They wanted me to go to college so I can make the most of my desire to learn and actually, like, apply myself somewhere. Because in my high school, we basically didn’t really have any computer science classes. We only had one AP class. And we have a few other classes that give college credit, but not that much out there.
I would probably say that if I didn’t go to college, I don’t think I would have, like, had as much personal growth as I got by both being independent and not living with my parents, as well as getting to meet more people and people from a more broad range of cultures than those that were in my high school — and all of the opportunities I get just for being in the Twin Cities alone and not living two hours west. I think, if it wasn’t for all of that, I would not be as fulfilled in life as I am now.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Interview by Caleb Fravel