Because of her upbringing and life journey, Zhihong, who is an Associate Professor of History and department chair, said she felt she was on the outside many times. She is a Muslim, a first-generation college student, a person of color, a non-native English speaker and an immigrant to America. That gives her the ability to connect to many of those that she finds in her classroom, even if their experiences aren’t identical.

“When I first came to Guilford College, I wasn’t sure how I would be received,” Zhihong said of her 2008 arrival. “But the Quaker community was very supportive. I learned to embrace who I am with all the complicated layers of identities.”

With that confidence, she has made it a point to get involved in the Guilford community and get to know many others on campus.

“I am by nature an introvert,” Zhihong stated, “But it is still enjoyable meeting and getting to know people in this community, including faculty and staff. I take my work here as a chance to work and grow myself.”

At Guilford, she added, faculty and staff are able to “get to know people more intimately than at a bigger institution. It is the people who make this home.”
Students and the Guilford community have noticed her efforts. A wall in her office is covered in cards and notes of appreciation and thanks. And in 2020, Guilford awarded Zhihong the Bruce B. Stewart ’61 Teaching Award.  She is gracious yet modest about the honor, saying the College has many great professors who should also be recognized for their hard work.

When it comes to the topic of history, she is still a strong believer in the value of the subject, even at a time when others outside of academia seem to dismiss it. She noted that Guilford is located in a city that is embedded in history, especially when it comes to the Civil Rights Movement. But even beyond that, the subject gives people a better understanding of our society today.

“Learning history is really so important to become a balanced thinker,” Zhihong said. “To learn to look at things from a longer perspective, to respect the wisdom from the past, to be able to put the present into perspective. … That is something everyone needs, especially if someone is in a position of power.”

But for students who feel uncertain about their place at Guilford or their futures, Zhihong hopes they can use her story as inspiration.

“Never give up on yourself,” she said. “Just continue living as best as you can. Life will not close doors to you if you don’t give up on yourself.”