It all began when 16 people sat around in the lobby of a chemistry building known as the Baker Lab in Ithaca, NY on October 13, 1995, which was the 19th of the leap August in lunar calendar. They come from different parts of China, at her broadest sense possible, have had various levels of education, have left their homeland at a different age, and hardly had known each other. The only common tie binding them all is the recognition of their cultural identities.
They are an unique group. They had a chance to leave their country with a mind still young and supple, yet mature enough to carry the historical package of China be born with the emotions and feelings of a Chinese. They are from different universities. There are first-year college students, as well as post-docs.
They have come together because they care and are concerned with the future state of China and her people, as well as those scattered throughout the rest of the wrold. In modern times, China has encounted great challenges. The once Central Empire is not central nor an Empire anymore. Since then, many generations of Chinese have decicated themselves to get their country stand up again. These young men hold the same goal. Yes, they are still young, still have much more to learn about the complex world surrounds them. There are not that much they can do for their motherland at this moment. Yet they are willing to question the past, to explore the present, as well as to create the future.
If not now, then when?
If not start with them, then whom?
If not they, then who should?