My Journey of Dreams, Determination, and Discovery

My name is YERKHAT （中文名为埃里克）, and I come from the beautiful country of Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia. I was born and raised in a small village where life was simple but filled with warmth. After graduating from medical school, I made a bold decision — to study abroad and explore the world beyond my hometown.

With a strong curiosity for languages and cultures, I chose China as my destination. This time, I decided to change my major and pursue a new path. I applied for the Chinese Government Scholarship to study Chinese Language and Literature (with a focus on Business Chinese) at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST). After months of preparation, interviews, and waiting, I finally received the life-changing news: I was awarded the scholarship. It felt like receiving a golden ticket to my dreams.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had no choice but to begin my studies online from Kazakhstan. That year was incredibly challenging — there was a 3-hour time difference, and I had to balance work and studies at the same time. I often attended classes from buses during my commute, doing everything I could to not fall behind.

Finally, after a year of perseverance, I arrived in China. At first, everything felt unfamiliar — the environment, the culture, and even the daily routines. But after a few weeks, I began to adapt. Not only did I get used to life at ZUST, I also came to love it deeply. I was elected 班长 (class monitor), and I worked closely with my teachers and classmates. We supported each other like a family and shared countless joyful memories together.

Academically, I focused on independent learning and always strived for excellence. I achieved a GPA of 4.44, ranking first in my major. I also passed the HSK Level 5 exam with a score of 254. Throughout my four years at ZUST, I actively participated in a wide range of activities both on and off campus. Some of the honors I received include:

•ZUST Dream Youth Award (梦想新青年奖)

•HSK Special Scholarship Award (HSK单项奖学金优胜奖)

•Excellent Award in Chinese Knowledge Competition “汉语十”

•Second Prize in the ZUST “Chinese Bridge” Global Chinese Competition

•Third Prize in the 4th “Telling China’s Stories in English” Contest

•Volunteer Honor Certificate, among many others.

These experiences shaped me not only as a student but also as a global citizen. They taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of cultural understanding.

Looking back, my journey from a small village in Kazakhstan to where I stand today has been full of challenges, but even more full of hope. I am grateful for every step of this journey — the struggles, the achievements, and the people I’ve met along the way.

As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I am determined to continue my studies. I have applied for a master’s program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. My dream is to become a Chinese teacher and help learners around the world discover the beauty and power of this language. I hope to guide others in achieving their goals in China and beyond — just as so many have guided me.

My advice to other students is simple: Believe in yourself more than anyone else believes in you. I was raised in a small village with only 200 people, but now I am here, in China, chasing my dreams. Everything is possible if you have faith in yourself and the courage to work hard for what you want.