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Voice of Graduate Student | Amini Byamungu Jephté

Jun 11, 2025    Hits:

   





My name is Amini Byamungu Jephté, I'm from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I'm currently a second year master's student in Applied Statistics in the School of Science. It’s an honor to share my journey as an international student in China.




     

Academic Challenges




Coming from a French-speaking country with significant gaps in the education system, my academic journey in China has been one marked by challenges and growth. Adapting to an English-speaking academic environment in an international setting was daunting, but it also presented an opportunity for resilience and self-improvement. I remember my first days here—navigating new cultures and systems, struggling with languages (both English and Chinese) while yearning for connection and understanding. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, I overcame the language barrier, eventually achieving a GPA of 4.3—a first milestone. My academic commitment was recognized with the 2024 Science Bright Star Award from the School of Science—a testament to ZUST’s belief in potential beyond borders.

   
   
     

Leadership and

Community Engagement




Beyond academics, I have embraced opportunities to contribute to the broader community. I joined hands with Hangzhou’s community as a volunteer for the "Most Beautiful Wall" initiative. Standing at busy intersections during National Day, I witnessed how service unites us—a moment even featured on CCTV. Participating in many other Voluntary initiatives like the Leifeng Volunteer Team Work allowed me to engage with the local community, learn about Chinese culture, and make a meaningful impact.


Leadership has also been about fostering creativity and collaboration. Being elected ZUST International Students Union President in November 2024, is a role I hold with deep responsibility, striving to represent and support the diverse international students body. Leading initiatives that foster a sense of community among international students, creating support services such as the Resource center to provide essential and practical information be it academic resources, mental health support, or guidance on navigating life in China, enhance academic experience and career development. I have worked tirelessly with more than 60 international students from departments to club leaders to create cultural events, workshops, and social gatherings that foster friendships across borders, inspire dialogue and cultural exchange, and academic excellence to ensure that every international student maximizes their living and learning experience at ZUST.

   
   
   
     

Research, Innovation

and Entrepreneurship




I successfully completed the Autumn and Spring Global Programs on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Tsinghua University. Leading one group project on data analytics titled "Innovating Real-Time Data Analytics Technology: Opportunities and Challenges." and being a core member of a collaborative group project on higher education innovation titled “Innovating Higher Education in Africa.” My experiences in global innovation programs at Tsinghua University have been transformative and has deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face globally. These initiatives reaffirmed my passion for creating actionable solutions that have real-world impact, especially in the realms of technology and education.


My research journey reached a significant milestone when I presented my academic report, 'Exploring Frontiers in Development Economics and Innovation: A Personal Research Journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Global Stage,' and research work at the prestigious Second Academic Symposium for Advanced International Students in the Yangtze River Delta Region (hosted by CSC and Zhejiang University, May 2025).

   
   
     

Cultural Contributions




Music has been another avenue where I’ve found joy and purpose. Representing my school and community in cultural festivals and talent shows has underscored the power of art to connect people across boundaries. Each performance was a reminder of our shared humanity and the beauty of diversity. I Performed at ZUST’s Welcoming Parties (2023 & 2024), Chinese Talent Show by International Students (2024), 2025 ZUST Singers Competition (2025), and the 9th International Culture Festival (2024). I Won Third Prize in both the 2025 Zhejiang Foreign Students Chinese Song Competition and ZUST’s Top Ten Singers Selection.

   
   
   
   
     

Why This Journey Matters

- Reflection and Vision




As I look ahead, I am inspired to continue striving for excellence and contributing to the world around me. Whether through science, leadership, or creativity, I hope to inspire others to believe in their potential and take bold steps toward their goals.


I am convinced that we were designed to be distinctive, special, irreplaceable and unique. Refuse to be normal, go beyond average, do not strive to be accepted, rather strive to be yourself. Shun the minimum; pursue the maximum. Utilize all your potential—maximize yourself! Like a seed possesses within itself the ability to become a tree, you possess the potential to be all you were born to be. The measure of your potential is your MIND, it is the source of CREATION and INVENTION. There’s no limit to our potential except that which is self-imposed. Your identity, your uniqueness, and your potential find their meaning and purpose fulfilled and maximized when they serve others. True joy is found not in what we accomplish but in who benefits from our success.




To all international Students at ZUST, those who dare to dream, work tirelessly, and challenge their limits. Let this be a reminder that with perseverance, passion, and purpose, anything is possible. ZUST is the soil where your dreams, too, can take root and flourish. Face the challenges with courage, engage deeply, lead with compassion, innovate boldly, share your culture proudly, and relentlessly pursue the maximum version of yourself. Step Beyond the Classroom, Connect & Contribute to the community around you: Whether through voluntary service, leadership, art, or culture, your uniqueness enriches this campus and city. Your journey has the power to inspire and transform not only your own life but also the ZUST community and beyond.


     
   






初审丨高志胜

责审丨朱李健

终审丨张华辉