10 Within 10 Recognition

Location: Beijing
Career: Assistant director of China Daily’s Life department

After interning with the China Daily, Erik was offered a full-time position with the paper. He is now one of the most senior foreign staff members and was recently promoted to the assistant director of the feature department. He has also published more than two dozen books about China and has started his own nonprofit organization.

What is the best resource young people have to contribute to the world?

"Education helps young people improve their lives, but it can also inspire them to improve others' lives, to advance our human condition."

What motivates you?

"Justice. A fairer world. The vision of a just world has animated my life, from journalism to my involvement with nonprofits, be they Oxfam and the United Nations or the smaller group I've started and have been delighted to see expand. "As a journalist, I've worked to report on not only the most vulnerable communities but also on innovative solutions to the inequalities they struggle against."

What is your proudest achievement so far?

"Aside from becoming a dad, providing electricity, computers, libraries, clothes, food and medicine for at least 10,000 children. And writing incredible stories, especially those from Sichuan's quake zone, that wouldn't otherwise be told. I hope they make the world better."

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

"Be careful when you mount an ostrich or a yak. Yaks buck. There are reasons ostriches were never domesticated."

Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU?

"CMU has given me every opportunity I've grasped. My experience has inspired me to invest in others' education."?