Belonging Beyond Borders
How a small Iowa city's creation of global citizens fosters community and connection among a range of identities
Grace Escritt | Reporter
Alec Bauer | Videographer
Natalie Jasso | Photographer
As polished shoes clack rhythmically against the epoxy floors, young mothers attempt to round up their rowdy children and herd them toward the proper gate: a familiar sight at the Eastern Iowa Airport.
Amid the blur of swift movements and the echoes of small talk resounding through the space, a figure lounges peacefully at the center of the terminal, relaxing all his weight into the black leather seat beneath him.
Amid the blur of swift movements and the echoes of small talk resounding through the space, a figure lounges peacefully at the center of the terminal, relaxing all his weight into the black leather seat beneath him.
Along with being a world traveler, Jesse Garcia wears multiple hats in his community, including those of a friend, colleague, educator, coach, son and brother.
This figure belongs to Jesse Garcia. Although his outward expression reflects the same tranquility of the surrounding cornfields swaying in the wind, his inward excitement more closely matches the vivacity of the sprawling metropolis waiting for him.
Jesse is not flying solo, however.
Next to him, a crew of 16 bright-eyed American exchange students listen intently for the gate agent’s muffled call for passengers to board the flight — the first of many that would carry the team closer to Beijing, China: a city 22 million people call home.
Once the time arrives, Jesse hoists his luggage over his shoulder, an intentionally-chosen soccer sweatshirt tucked away neatly within. As he herds the flock of young scholars toward the open gate, Jesse reflects on how his destination lies in a continent he has never ventured to and will have difficulty communicating in.
Jesse is not flying solo, however.
Next to him, a crew of 16 bright-eyed American exchange students listen intently for the gate agent’s muffled call for passengers to board the flight — the first of many that would carry the team closer to Beijing, China: a city 22 million people call home.
Once the time arrives, Jesse hoists his luggage over his shoulder, an intentionally-chosen soccer sweatshirt tucked away neatly within. As he herds the flock of young scholars toward the open gate, Jesse reflects on how his destination lies in a continent he has never ventured to and will have difficulty communicating in.
“The one thing I was very conscious of was that I was going to a place where I didn’t speak or read the language. The language barrier was the biggest thing.”
Jesse Garcia
Jesse Garcia
“The one thing I was very conscious of was that I was going to a place where I didn’t speak or read the language. The language barrier was the biggest thing.”
Jesse Garcia
Jesse Garcia
Noticing the black dots symbolizing the travels of its original owners, Jesse Garcia bought this globe secondhand with the intention of marking his own journeys on it.
Regardless of how tall this barrier may seem, this is not the first time Jesse has come face-to-face with it. Growing up in Muscatine, Jesse struggled to find broad connection due to English not being his first language and his identity being comparatively unique.
However, this time will be different.
Now serving as a chaperone for a high school study abroad trip and partnership with Wanxiang Polytechnic University, Jesse is committed to using his role as a supervisor to foster cross-cultural connections and be a support system for students seeking global community.
His face beaming with excitement as his eyes scan the cabin for his seat, Jesse clutches tightly to the fragments of his identity occupying his bag. Unbeknownst to him, he will return one month later holding the final piece needed to make him whole.
However, this time will be different.
Now serving as a chaperone for a high school study abroad trip and partnership with Wanxiang Polytechnic University, Jesse is committed to using his role as a supervisor to foster cross-cultural connections and be a support system for students seeking global community.
His face beaming with excitement as his eyes scan the cabin for his seat, Jesse clutches tightly to the fragments of his identity occupying his bag. Unbeknownst to him, he will return one month later holding the final piece needed to make him whole.
A LASTING FRIENDSHIP
Muscatine’s connection with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) goes much deeper than its joint study abroad programs. In fact, long preceding these programs is a history of kinship and connection between the two.
Nestled within the heart of Muscatine’s river bend stands a home structured upon sturdy pearl-colored pillars and nearly two centuries of family memories. However, the interior more closely resembles a museum of political history and Asian culture.
This is no museum, however. This is the home of Sarah Lande, a life-long advocate for sustainability, environmental health and international collaboration. For Sarah, the delicate glass vases and abstract prints subtly contrasting against a backdrop of red fabrics represents a 40-year friendship with Xi Jinping: president of the PRC.
Nestled within the heart of Muscatine’s river bend stands a home structured upon sturdy pearl-colored pillars and nearly two centuries of family memories. However, the interior more closely resembles a museum of political history and Asian culture.
This is no museum, however. This is the home of Sarah Lande, a life-long advocate for sustainability, environmental health and international collaboration. For Sarah, the delicate glass vases and abstract prints subtly contrasting against a backdrop of red fabrics represents a 40-year friendship with Xi Jinping: president of the PRC.
“If you are imagined to be a friend of President Xi, you’re fortunate."
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
“If you are imagined to be a friend of President Xi, you’re fortunate."
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande strengthened the relationship between Muscatine, Iowa and China through her commitment to cultural exchange and citizen diplomacy. Sarah Lande’s work has brought international recognition to Muscatine and left a lasting legacy of friendship and global engagement.
In 1985, Xi — who served as the party secretary in Zhengding County — led a five-person delegation to Muscatine from Hebei Province, PRC. This team of Chinese officials sought to learn more about practices — such as effective crop production and livestock farming — to increase agricultural output.
The delegation had the opportunity to visit Muscatine due to Hebei becoming a sister state to Iowa in 1983. This status, which came from an agreement signed between former governors Terry Branstad and Zhang Shuguang, allows sub-national regions from different countries to foster economic, technological, cultural and educational exchanges.
Adorned with shelves proudly displaying the biographies of American activists and history of international relations, the interior of Sarah's home is filled with whispers and silent nods to her half-century-long advocacy for global collaboration.
The delegation had the opportunity to visit Muscatine due to Hebei becoming a sister state to Iowa in 1983. This status, which came from an agreement signed between former governors Terry Branstad and Zhang Shuguang, allows sub-national regions from different countries to foster economic, technological, cultural and educational exchanges.
Adorned with shelves proudly displaying the biographies of American activists and history of international relations, the interior of Sarah's home is filled with whispers and silent nods to her half-century-long advocacy for global collaboration.
Step Inside
Drag and click on the hotspots below to explore Sarah Lande's living room and her connection with Xi Jinping.
Due to this passion, Sarah jumped at the opportunity to join Branstad's Iowa Sister-State Friendship Committee in 1984. This involvement and a life-changing trip to China would later lead to Sarah opening her arms and home to the Chinese delegation one year later.
In 2013, Sarah Lande was awarded the "Friendship Ambassador" medal by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. This serves as recognition of her citizen diplomacy and longstanding relationship with Xi Jinping, president of the PRC.
Although the sharp and sophisticated businessman’s visit seemed to be for strictly political reasons at face value, Sarah expressed Xi’s interest in Muscatine was much deeper.
“We were told that Xi Jinping had read Mark Twain, and he always wanted to see the Mississippi River,” she said. “Oh my gosh, and they were so happy. When we look at some of the photos, they were almost giddy, you know, glad to be here and get out on the river.”
During his first stay in Muscatine, the 31-year-old party secretary briefly called a Star Trek-themed room home. Having spare space due to their son being away at college, Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak hosted Xi with open arms.
Contributing to their agricultural and societal research, the delegation also experienced their first taste of Iowa beef and corn at Sarah's dinner table — not to mention one of their first encounters with American hospitality.
“We were told that Xi Jinping had read Mark Twain, and he always wanted to see the Mississippi River,” she said. “Oh my gosh, and they were so happy. When we look at some of the photos, they were almost giddy, you know, glad to be here and get out on the river.”
During his first stay in Muscatine, the 31-year-old party secretary briefly called a Star Trek-themed room home. Having spare space due to their son being away at college, Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak hosted Xi with open arms.
Contributing to their agricultural and societal research, the delegation also experienced their first taste of Iowa beef and corn at Sarah's dinner table — not to mention one of their first encounters with American hospitality.
The Sino-US Friendship House, which is located in the small city of Muscatine, Iowa, was originally home to Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak. This family hosted President Xi Jinping for three days in 1985 while he was there learning about Muscatine's agricultural practices.
Following a trip characterized by laughter and new friendships, the delegates returned to the PRC with much more than agricultural insight: they returned with an image of the United States, which is captured in Sarah's memoir “‘Old Friends’: The Xi Jinping-Iowa Story.”
“You were the first Americans I had contact with,” said Xi, in a quote from the book. “My impressions of the country come from you. To me, you are America.”
The impact of this first impression was emphasized in a reminiscent address Xi made to his “Old Friends” from Muscatine upon returning in 2012. Likewise, Muscatine’s amicable view of China was exemplified by the personable way the soon-to-be president carried himself during his initial visit.
Xi’s relationship with this small Iowa city does not stop here. In 2023, the PRC president announced during a dinner in San Francisco that he would be launching the “50,000 in Five Years” initiative, which is a program designed to improve China-U.S. relations; that is, by hosting American students in the PRC to foster academic and cultural exchange.
“You were the first Americans I had contact with,” said Xi, in a quote from the book. “My impressions of the country come from you. To me, you are America.”
The impact of this first impression was emphasized in a reminiscent address Xi made to his “Old Friends” from Muscatine upon returning in 2012. Likewise, Muscatine’s amicable view of China was exemplified by the personable way the soon-to-be president carried himself during his initial visit.
Xi’s relationship with this small Iowa city does not stop here. In 2023, the PRC president announced during a dinner in San Francisco that he would be launching the “50,000 in Five Years” initiative, which is a program designed to improve China-U.S. relations; that is, by hosting American students in the PRC to foster academic and cultural exchange.
Following the 2023 dinner in San Francisco, President Xi Jinping sent a letter to Sarah Lande expressing his appreciation of their longstanding friendship and discussing his hope for the future of educational exchange between the U.S. and China.
Since 2024, 175 Muscatine students have ventured to China as part of this initiative and other exchanges like it. Many of these trips were supported logistically by the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, which seeks to promote collective action, policy progress and the exchange of global ideas.
FOSTERING CITIZEN DIPLOMACY
Five blocks northeast of Sarah's picturesque family home resides the Stanley Center, a two-story structure distinguished by its beaming solar panels and rainwater harvesting barrels, giving it the status of a “living building.”
"Our mission is to catalyze and nurture just and sustainable solutions to critical global peace and security challenges."
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
"Our mission is to catalyze and nurture just and sustainable solutions to critical global peace and security challenges."
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
Since its founding in 1956, the Stanley Center for Peace and Security has worked to address global challenges through dialogue, education, and international cooperation. Established in Muscatine, Iowa, the organization has evolved from a local initiative into a globally recognized nonprofit that promotes peace, sustainable development, and collaborative solutions to complex issues. Through decades of leadership and advocacy, the Stanley Center has connected communities, policymakers and experts around the world in pursuit of a more peaceful and secure future.
Krista Regennitter, the center’s program officer for global education, is one of many supporters of the citizen diplomacy developed through educational exchanges.
During her six years spent working with the center, Krista has facilitated these student exchanges by assisting with trip planning and logistics. In addition, she supports students by preparing them to effectively communicate across differences and engage with new cultural perspectives.
"I really believe that these trips build global competencies for students, whether that's 'how do you communicate with somebody who doesn't speak the same language, or maybe culturally, has different approaches than you?'" she said. "I think that's a valuable skill that students will take with them into workplaces."
Whereas the Stanley Center assists with the organizational side of these student exchanges, the Sarah D. Lande US-China Friendship Education Company — which uses book profits and external contributions — helps to fund the trips. Along with this, the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School is the primary host of these students.
During her six years spent working with the center, Krista has facilitated these student exchanges by assisting with trip planning and logistics. In addition, she supports students by preparing them to effectively communicate across differences and engage with new cultural perspectives.
"I really believe that these trips build global competencies for students, whether that's 'how do you communicate with somebody who doesn't speak the same language, or maybe culturally, has different approaches than you?'" she said. "I think that's a valuable skill that students will take with them into workplaces."
Whereas the Stanley Center assists with the organizational side of these student exchanges, the Sarah D. Lande US-China Friendship Education Company — which uses book profits and external contributions — helps to fund the trips. Along with this, the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School is the primary host of these students.
Amid a sea of exchange students and their accompanying faculty sits Krista, who was a chaperone on a 2026 Muscatine trip to Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School in Hebei Province.
Krista said there are two national initiatives that have sought to send American students to China with the purpose of strengthening bilateral cooperation; one of which being the “50,000 in 5 Years” initiative. This initial goal was achieved in May 2026, 2.5 years ahead of schedule.
The other initiative — which long precedes “50,000 in Five Years” — is former President Barack Obama’s “100,000 Strong China” initiative, which seeks to increase diversity in perspective and increase America’s number of global citizens through student exchange.
The “100,000 Strong China” initiative was first launched in 2010, and Krista said Muscatine students have been traveling to China under this program since 2013. The original 100,000 goal was achieved in 2014, but the program persists and continues to broaden its goals.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Krista said student exchanges through programs like these are effective in breaking down cultural stereotypes.
The other initiative — which long precedes “50,000 in Five Years” — is former President Barack Obama’s “100,000 Strong China” initiative, which seeks to increase diversity in perspective and increase America’s number of global citizens through student exchange.
The “100,000 Strong China” initiative was first launched in 2010, and Krista said Muscatine students have been traveling to China under this program since 2013. The original 100,000 goal was achieved in 2014, but the program persists and continues to broaden its goals.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Krista said student exchanges through programs like these are effective in breaking down cultural stereotypes.
“It’s a great opportunity to make the world feel more connected. To me, that is a strategy for peace.”
Krista Regennitter
Krista and her son Leo — both of which have taken trips to China — sit and reflect on their experiences at the Stanley Center for Peace and Security in Muscatine, Iowa.
In addition to helping with trip logistics through the Stanley Center, Krista has visited China herself. Reminiscing about her visits with a soft smile, she expressed the importance of cross-cultural perspectives not only for students, but also for teachers.
“We’re lifelong learners, and so I think it’s wonderful to be able to see teachers have these same realizations,” she said.
Similar to Krista, Jesse Garcia has experienced China as a chaperone and educator. Since 2024, he has traveled to the PRC three times, each trip for different reasons: study abroad, ambassadorship and innovation, respectively.
“We’re lifelong learners, and so I think it’s wonderful to be able to see teachers have these same realizations,” she said.
Similar to Krista, Jesse Garcia has experienced China as a chaperone and educator. Since 2024, he has traveled to the PRC three times, each trip for different reasons: study abroad, ambassadorship and innovation, respectively.
Jesse's Journeys
Tap through the passport booklet to learn about each of Jesse's trips to China.
Place Visited
Trip Record
Listening Visit to Iowa City
Memory
The character’s favorite memory was watching students connect a formal lesson to a spontaneous conversation in the city.
1 / 3
All the supervising, sightseeing and food tasting aside, Jesse said one of the most unique memories from his trips to the sprawling metropolises and rolling mountains of the PRC is in relation to the unexpected commonalities he discovered between Chinese and American culture; namely, their love for soccer, which resonates deeply with Coach Jesse.
All in all, Jesse views these three trips to the PRC as an extension of his role within Muscatine’s community.
“I think the thing that has really come forward through these experiences and helped me shape my professional role, or identity, or goal, has just been helping to build people,” he said. “All sorts of people. Not just athletes, not just students, but…well-rounded global citizens.”
All in all, Jesse views these three trips to the PRC as an extension of his role within Muscatine’s community.
“I think the thing that has really come forward through these experiences and helped me shape my professional role, or identity, or goal, has just been helping to build people,” he said. “All sorts of people. Not just athletes, not just students, but…well-rounded global citizens.”
Meeting at Midfield
BARRIERS TO DIPLOMACY
Despite the city's long-standing educational and diplomatic relationship with China, Muscatine’s student exchange programs and collaborative efforts have not been immune to the threat of future restriction. The most-notable foreshadowing of diplomatic hindrance lies in legislative debates, national declarations and sentiments, and public observations that have been made since the mid-2010s.
Foreshadowings of Diplomatic Hinderance
Click on an item below to find out how it may threaten the strengthening of friendly ties between the U.S. and China as well as the creation of global citizens.
As outlined in Title 15 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, the PRC tops the list as a foreign government that has "engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States" (15 CFR § 791.4). In addition to this status, China is defined in the U.S. Department of War's 2018 National Defense Strategy as being a "strategic competitor" and a threat to U.S. security due to its military modernization programs. These determinations have set a precedent of caution.
Echoing the sentiments of 15 CFR § 791.4, the Federal Bureau of Investigation defines the Chinese government and dominant party as being a threat, stating "China's efforts target businesses, academic institutions, researchers, lawmakers, and the general public." This has resulted in hesitancy to engage with programs introduced and sponsored by the PRC's government.
In 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump made a proclamation stating "PRC authorities use some Chinese students, mostly post-graduate students and post-doctorate researchers, to operate as non-traditional collectors of intellectual property." Citing fear of exploitation, this proclamation stated non-immigrants from China seeking to research or study in the U.S. using F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor) visas would be suspended if they had any ties to the PRC's "military-civil fusion strategy." In effect, this proclamation mainly impacts students and researchers — except for undergraduates — in STEM fields. This proclamation limits student exchanges from China to the U.S.
According to a Sept. 2025 report from the Migration Policy Institute, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced in May 2025 that it would begin to "aggressively revoke" the visas of Chinese students who have affiliations with the PRC's dominant party or study in "critical fields," meaning in STEM. However, the administration later backtracked. Preceding the DOS's statement, the Migrant Policy Institute's report says "the United States rejected 36% of student visa applications from China in 2023" under the Biden administration. These statements and statistics also signal pushback against student exchanges from China to the U.S.
In Feb. 2026, House Study Bill 536 — sponsored by Rep. Taylor Collins (R-95) of Mediapolis — was introduced in the Iowa legislature. This bill sought to prohibit regent institutions from employing holders of H-1B work visas from China, specifically. These visas temporarily allow non-immigrants from foreign countries to work in the U.S. in specialized fields, most often in STEM. This bill later evolved into House File 2513, which extended this restriction to all holders whose home nations are viewed as "foreign adversaries." Though this bill passed the Iowa House, it later died in the Senate due to the 2026 legislative session adjourning. However, these sentiments remain.
In March 2026, Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) introduced the Guarding U.S. Associations from Rogue Donations (GUARD) Act, which seeks to strip "tax-exempt status from non-profit organizations that accept money from citizens or nationals of foreign adversary nations." After being introduced, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, and although it is alive, it has yet to move any further. This is the piece of legislation that would most directly affect the financial donors of Muscatine's exchanges with China.
No proposed legislation or declaration has targeted the city’s exchange programs directly, as the focus of these restrictions has primarily been on exchanges from China to the U.S. — which Muscatine is also known for. Nonetheless, the sentiments generated from these discussions and bilateral actions have trickled their way down the winding Mississippi River.
In 2024, Iowa Rep. Taylor Collins (R-95) of Mediapolis expressed his desire for the Muscatine Community School District to cancel upcoming study abroad and student exchange trips to the PRC; that is, due to the U.S.’s strained relationship with China. This, however, had no effect on the four trips that sent Muscatine students to its sister city in 2024.
The most pressing and direct action taken against Muscatine’s exchange programs, however, has been by national media outlets. Two years ago, participants and monetary supporters of these exchanges — including Sarah — became subject to criticism by national media despite their positive experiences and new friendships.
Tying this all together, Sarah said the two most recent presidential administrations have been particularly cautious of exploring the possibility of deepening friendly ties with the PRC.
“They’re more protective rather than exploratory, so that’s a challenge, but I think it’s a challenge for our group to work a little harder,” she said.
Regardless of these barriers, Sarah is hopeful. She believes the power to maintain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and PRC lies no further than in the hands of students who will pioneer the next generation of friendships and forward-looking change.
In 2024, Iowa Rep. Taylor Collins (R-95) of Mediapolis expressed his desire for the Muscatine Community School District to cancel upcoming study abroad and student exchange trips to the PRC; that is, due to the U.S.’s strained relationship with China. This, however, had no effect on the four trips that sent Muscatine students to its sister city in 2024.
The most pressing and direct action taken against Muscatine’s exchange programs, however, has been by national media outlets. Two years ago, participants and monetary supporters of these exchanges — including Sarah — became subject to criticism by national media despite their positive experiences and new friendships.
Tying this all together, Sarah said the two most recent presidential administrations have been particularly cautious of exploring the possibility of deepening friendly ties with the PRC.
“They’re more protective rather than exploratory, so that’s a challenge, but I think it’s a challenge for our group to work a little harder,” she said.
Regardless of these barriers, Sarah is hopeful. She believes the power to maintain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and PRC lies no further than in the hands of students who will pioneer the next generation of friendships and forward-looking change.
Sarah Lande preserves photographs, gifts and letters that document a decades-long relationship between Muscatine, Iowa and China. Her collection traces the evolution of friendship with President Xi Jinping; that is, from his initial visit in 1985 to the introduction of his "50,000 in Five Years" initiative aimed at expanding student exchanges.
“If we want to change, we need to keep telling our story [and] trying to give opportunities for more people to travel, open their ideas and to meet people when they come. Once you meet them, the barriers break down.”
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
At their core, the purpose of Muscatine’s cross-cultural education exchanges with the PRC goes far beyond tourism and sightseeing. For Jesse, the global insights offered through these programs were key in unlocking the final piece to his identity, which he had struggled in finding since his youth.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG
As a Mexican-American kid growing up in Muscatine, Jesse spent his childhood feeling like an outsider.
“I don’t really feel like I fit in that much,” he said. “I struggled with my identity, even really up until the last few years.”
“I don’t really feel like I fit in that much,” he said. “I struggled with my identity, even really up until the last few years.”
Thirty-four years ago, Jesus and Mariela Garcia —Jesse’s parents — moved into a cozy two-bedroom home nestled in the northeast corner of the city; the interior breathing life into the space through the adornment of Virgin Mary figurines and photos of loved ones.
Having immigrated from Mexico, the Garcias settled in the pearl city with the hope of pursuing something bigger for themselves and their future children. Taking advantage of these opportunities, Jesse and his younger brother Geovanni became familiar faces of the numerous Eastern Iowa soccer complexes, which fulfilled a craving for connection to their cultural heritage.
Having immigrated from Mexico, the Garcias settled in the pearl city with the hope of pursuing something bigger for themselves and their future children. Taking advantage of these opportunities, Jesse and his younger brother Geovanni became familiar faces of the numerous Eastern Iowa soccer complexes, which fulfilled a craving for connection to their cultural heritage.
Over three decades ago, Jesse's parents met in the U.S. after immigrating from different regions of Mexico — Jesus from Guanajuato, and Mariela from Michoacán. Family has always been central to Jesse's life, both in the U.S. and Mexico.
However, something was missing.
Beyond the picturesque scene of the siblings chasing their dreams of soccer stardom as their giggles filled the air, Jesse lacked the one thing he longed for most: community connection. The crushing weight of this ache for belonging was not fleeting, but persisted long into his adulthood.
Growing up, Jesse went to extraordinary lengths to ensure Geovanni would be shielded from the struggles he grappled with as a child with transnational heritage. This mission gave Jesse purpose; so much to the point it extended beyond family ties and into his professional life.
Early in his career, Jesse became the Latino outreach coordinator for Muscatine County, where he discovered his true self through preparing Hispanic students — and parents — for their futures.
Beyond the picturesque scene of the siblings chasing their dreams of soccer stardom as their giggles filled the air, Jesse lacked the one thing he longed for most: community connection. The crushing weight of this ache for belonging was not fleeting, but persisted long into his adulthood.
Growing up, Jesse went to extraordinary lengths to ensure Geovanni would be shielded from the struggles he grappled with as a child with transnational heritage. This mission gave Jesse purpose; so much to the point it extended beyond family ties and into his professional life.
Early in his career, Jesse became the Latino outreach coordinator for Muscatine County, where he discovered his true self through preparing Hispanic students — and parents — for their futures.
Persevering with a Purpose
Jessie Garcia is a beloved soccer coach, in Muscatine, Iowa, whose passion for the game was shaped by his own search for belonging. Growing up, Jesse often felt disconnected from those around him, but soccer provided a sense of community and purpose. Today, he uses the sport to bring people together, mentoring players of all ages and backgrounds. Through coaching, community involvement, and an unwavering commitment to his teams, Jesse teaches that perseverance extends far beyond the soccer field - it is a lesson for life.
Jesse Garcia coaches players from youth leagues to the Muscatine Muskies varsity team, guiding athletes through every stage of the game. He spent the season preparing the Muskies for the substate final, where their run ended in a loss. As seasons begin and end, Jesse continues teaching the next generation of players that perseverance comes from the effort to keep improving, regardless of the outcome.
After working in this role, the illustration of Jesse’s identity was almost complete, but the final puzzle piece depicting cultural uniqueness and hometown pride was still lost between the cushions of Muscatine’s borders.
Following his first trip to the PRC, however, Jesse was able to grasp on tightly to this final fragment, leading him to reinterpret what it means to “belong” not only for himself, but for future generations of Muscatine youth.
Following his first trip to the PRC, however, Jesse was able to grasp on tightly to this final fragment, leading him to reinterpret what it means to “belong” not only for himself, but for future generations of Muscatine youth.
Jesse sits on the front porch of his family's home, reflecting on the events and emotion of the season's last varsity soccer game.
Although the fruits of Muscatine-China educational exchanges are heavily personal in their relation to identity and connection, both nations stand to benefit from these programs due to their facilitation of innovation; particularly technological, which Jesse's contributed to at the China-U.S. Young Maker Competition.
Ultimately, Jesse’s cross-cultural experiences — both from his childhood and his time spent in the PRC — have not only created a global citizen out of him, but have equipped him with the teaching tools necessary to sculpt world citizens back home in Muscatine.
“Through that, I think I’ve been able to push and be a motivator—just someone else in their corner that is able to add a unique perspective and help guide them to their goals,” he said.
To preserve the diplomatic ties between Muscatine and its sister city of Zhending, Sarah stressed the importance of the pearl city’s youth in serving as ambassadors for international friendship.
“Through that, I think I’ve been able to push and be a motivator—just someone else in their corner that is able to add a unique perspective and help guide them to their goals,” he said.
To preserve the diplomatic ties between Muscatine and its sister city of Zhending, Sarah stressed the importance of the pearl city’s youth in serving as ambassadors for international friendship.
“When you get to know people, the barriers come down. It is an example of how we can help have peace on Earth, and also how we can have our young people have an opportunity to explore the world.”
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
“When you get to know people, the barriers come down. It is an example of how we can help have peace on Earth, and also how we can have our young people have an opportunity to explore the world.”
Sarah Lande
Sarah Lande
The Muscatine Sister Cities signpost points toward Zhengding, China: one of the many communities that maintain partnerships with the river city. This signpost reflects decades of cultural exchange and the international relationships that continue to connect Muscatine to communities around the world.
Muscatine’s next educational exchange trip with the PRC will be held in summer 2026. Those interested in future travels may view application requirements through the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine or seek guidance through the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.