Breakfast, Biology and Beyond

The melody of friends

Friendship can open worlds.

Teaching can do the same. Students remain with you forever.

Writing follows closely behind, opening its own universe.

I had the good fortune to experience all three recently when I sat down for breakfast with my friend, Yinsheng Wan, a biology professor at Providence College, along with three of his college classmates from years past.

I first met Yinsheng by chance at a Providence College function. As we shared our backgrounds, his eyes widened, and he blurted, “You must come teach one of my biology sessions! Half the students are headed to medical school, and the other half into the broader world of science. You must tell them about your experiences.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Yes.” And so it has been for years. I have even mentored a few of his students along the way—including one who went to my alma mater and is now a practicing surgeon.

OK, we fast forward to breakfast.

“Ed, a professor friend of mine from China is coming to visit. He too has stepped out of his chosen profession and has written two books. He would love to meet you.”

My gluteal muscles nearly propelled me off the seat.

“Of course. I’d love to.”

We met at The Rhody Hen Café—a charming spot named after Rhode Island’s state bird, the Rhode Island Red. It felt like the perfect, welcoming piece of local flavor for our visitors.

I knew I was meeting Professor Wuzhong Zhou of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I had looked him up beforehand: Director of the International Center for Innovation Design, Distinguished Professor, and doctoral supervisor of the School of Design. His CV is staggering.

But my excitement grew. I was surprised and delighted to meet two other 1980 Nanjing Agricultural University classmates of Professor Wan: Dr. Lai Gui from Ottawa, and Dr. Ming Zhang from Toronto.

It was a marvelous morning. Over a classic breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and sausage, we swapped stories about family, careers, education, and even a touch—just a titch—of politics.

While my companions spoke English fluently, I was captivated whenever they slipped into Chinese. There is a beautiful melody to the language. When their conversation grew animated, it was even more compelling—the subtle shifts in tone and cadence altering meaning right before my ears. Simply by listening, I could feel the deep warmth of their friendship and the pure joy of their reunion right there in North Providence.

Then Professor Zhou presented his pride and joy: two books he had written. He kindly inscribed them to me in both English and Chinese. It was a true honor.

And a special scroll with lotus flowers that Professor Zhou described.

Before we parted, each of them took down my blog address and subscribed. Suddenly, my writing had acquired an international audience!

I shared their joy. I shared their table. More than that, we shared an appreciation for each other’s cultures, a zest for life, a dedicated work ethic, and the reassuring realization that most people across the globe are good, kind, and generous.

It turned out to be far more than just another morning at the coffee shop.

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