Voice of Graduate Student

Natasha Bharathi

Four years ago, I was unsure of the path I wanted to take, but with the unwavering support of my parents — especially my father, who has over 20 years of experience in China — I was inspired to pursue robotics. His insights into China’s technological growth and the future of robotics opened my eyes, and as a woman entering engineering, I found that vision both empowering and exciting. That’s how my journey in China began.

During my time at ZUST, I had the opportunity to participate in several university-organized trips, which allowed me to experience China beyond the classroom. These journeys helped me explore the country’s rich culture, history, and daily life in a more personal and meaningful way. I also had the chance to learn Chinese, which not only deepened my understanding of the culture but also helped me connect more closely with people around me.

Outside of academics, I also enjoyed playing basketball during my free time. It became more than just a sport — it was a way to stay active, relieve stress, and bond with both Chinese and international students. Whether on the court or through travel and language, these experiences helped me make wonderful friends and create lasting memories that made my time in China truly exciting and unforgettable.

One of the most memorable parts of my university life was getting the chance to share the culture of Sri Lanka during ZUST’s international cultural festival — not just once, but for two consecutive years. It was an incredible experience to proudly represent my country through traditional clothing, food, music, and dance, while seeing the curiosity and appreciation from others.

At the same time, I had the chance to experience and learn about the diverse cultures of other countries through the festival. It was inspiring to see how students from all over the world came together to celebrate their roots, exchange stories, and build friendships across cultures. These moments reminded me of how powerful and beautiful cultural diversity can be and how lucky I was to be part of it.

Throughout my four years at ZUST, I was honored to receive several scholarships and awards that motivated me to keep growing. In my first year, I was awarded the Second Prize Scholarship, followed by the Third Prize Scholarship in my second year. In my third year, I received the Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship, which was a meaningful recognition of my academic progress and dedication. In my final year, I was proud to receive the Third Prize Excellent Degree Scholarship.

In addition to academics, I was also awarded a certificate of recognition for my active participation and contributions to the university’s international cultural festival. These experiences and honors have been a great encouragement and have shaped my journey at ZUST both academically and personally.

Another valuable milestone of my academic journey was the opportunity to intern at Libiao Robotics, a leading Chinese company in the field of intelligent logistics solutions. As an international student, working in a professional Chinese environment was both exciting and eye-opening. I had the chance to collaborate closely with local engineers and team members, which not only improved my technical and communication skills but also gave me a deeper understanding of Chinese work culture.

This internship allowed me to apply what I had learned in class to projects and gave me exposure to advanced automation systems and innovative technologies. Being part of such a forward-thinking company was an incredible learning experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally.