My name is Stephen from Indonesia. As I’m finishing up my fourth year studying International Economics and Trade at ZUST, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I was able to get things done. If I can leave one message for all the students coming after me, it’s this: “You don't succeed alone. You get there with the help of good role models and the community you build.”
In my classes, I really grew by finding the right help. Ms. Li Jiaqi and Ms. Tang Huan were great examples of this. They gave me direction when I was unsure of what to do. All the professors here know their stuff, but it's really important to find the ones whose teaching style just clicks with you. Learning from how dedicated they are is key.
But classes are only half of it. For me, ZUST was really about stepping out of my comfort zone, especially with the Debate Club. I stopped debating after my third year, but I still believe in what it teaches you. Don't just live in your own world, use things like debate to think quicker and learn about what's happening globally. You have to realize that even if a problem doesn't touch you directly, you still have a responsibility to understand it.
Thinking this way gave me an edge in competitions. One of my proudest moments was our team winning National Runner-up in the Digital Trade Competition. We won in large part because of the great direction from Professor Meng Qi. It also taught me how important it is to have good teammates. My teammates, Jesse and Lidia, showed me that being around dedicated people is the best way to get better yourself.
Finding good role models was also how I got better at cross-cultural skills. When it came to poetry and speaking, I found an amazing mentor in Professor Cheng Yongyan. She was so dedicated, and I never felt lost. I also learned you can get inspired by your friends. I have to give a shout-out to Ms. Tiffany, Ms. Nikki, and Ms. Jerawyn. They spent so much time helping me practice. Because of their support, I won Second Place in the Chinese Classic Recitation Contest and was Runner-up in the "Dream in Zhejiang" International Students' Recitation Contest. The lesson is, find people who are better than you at something and learn from them.
Lastly, you need a way to unplug. ZUST really felt like home because I could do my hobbies. I love playing badminton, and the fact that ZUST has eight indoor courts was a game-changer for me. Don't forget to do what you love. Having a place to just relax is so important to keep you going in your studies.
Looking back, I'm leaving with a degree, but more importantly, I'm leaving with a plan that worked for me: find good mentors, don't be afraid of a challenge, and make time for the things you love.
