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毕业留声-Voice of graduate Student | Bwalya Mumba

May 26, 2025    Hits:

Learning Beyond Borders: My Life Between Languages and Cultures

     
   
     
           


My name is Bwalya Mumba (陈明雷), a Zambian who has the amazing opportunity to come all the way to this other side of the world — China, to learn, grow, and become deeply integrated into Chinese culture. From the beginning, I committed myself to studying the Chinese language to the best of my abilities, determined to not just live in this country, but to truly understand it from the inside out.

           


Looking back on my time in China, I vividly remember how, when I first arrived, my heart was full of desire and dreams for the Chinese language. I've always had a strong affinity for languages, and today I speak about five of them. This multilingual ability has not only helped me navigate different parts of the world but has also broadened my understanding of various cultures and how people think and live differently.

       
     
       
 
 
         


Before coming to China, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Russia, an experience that opened my eyes to the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness. It laid the foundation for me to appreciate and adapt to the cultural richness I would later encounter in China. And yet, despite my previous international experience, China still brought new challenges and new depths of personal growth.

         


Through hard work, I successfully passed the HSK 5 exam and was awarded a scholarship. That achievement gave me the confidence to believe that with dedication, it’s truly possible to reach any goal. It pushed me to continue striving for excellence, not just academically but in every area of my life.

         


But university life isn’t just about textbooks and exams. True growth, I’ve found, often happens in the most ordinary moments — chatting with taxi drivers, buying snacks from small shop owners, and sharing meals with Chinese friends. These real-life interactions taught me that life is more than what’s written in books — it’s about human connection, understanding, and empathy. Every conversation opened a new window into someone’s world, and in turn, reshaped how I view my own.

         


Along the way, I also discovered leadership qualities within myself. I started taking the initiative to organize class activities, contribute actively in discussions, and speak up in group projects. I used to prefer working quietly behind the scenes, but over time, I became more comfortable stepping into visible roles, leading with confidence and purpose. That shift was a big personal transformation for me.

 
   
         


Music, too, played a meaningful role in my journey. As a member of the music club at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, I had the opportunity to perform on larger stages, travel to different places with the band, and connect with fellow musicians. It was a chance not just to express myself creatively, but to experience entirely new musical styles and rhythms. That exploration helped me grow, both artistically and personally.

         


Of course, there were tough times as well. Despite my strength in languages, Chinese was — and still is — a formidable challenge. The memorization, the tones, the endless practice… it hasn’t always gone smoothly. But these challenges reminded me that talent alone isn’t enough — persistence, humility, and a willingness to learn are what truly lead to success.


       


   
 
       


   
         


As I look ahead, I do so with hope and an open heart. I plan to remain in China for further studies and continue on the path I’ve started in architecture. With the foundation I’ve built — in language, culture, leadership, and experience — I believe many doors lie ahead. Whether it’s in design, translation, or another path entirely, I trust that with curiosity and effort, anything is possible. And more importantly, I want to encourage others: no matter where you come from, no matter your circumstances, if you believe and work hard, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.

         


As I graduate, I hope my story can reflect the joy of the journey, the power of persistence, and the beauty of growth. The road hasn’t been easy — but every step has been worth it.

 


初审丨陈江南

责审丨高志胜

终审丨张华辉