Aim High Despite Tough Beginning
Today I look back on the first day I arrived at ZUST (September 15th 2017) and I can almost remember every detail since then. Like most freshmen, when I first came here, I was completely lost and was overwhelmed by a big step I had taken to come to a whole new country and leave all my friends and family back in my home country. It took me some time to try figure out what my place was in this new environment both academically and socially. From the get go, I set high goals for myself with the intention to achieve most if not all of them. As my favorite quote by Les Brown goes: “Shoot for the moon even if you miss it you, you will land among the stars”, I always aimed to do my best in every situation even if the outcome is not exactly what I had hoped for, I still get to have good results in the end.
Engagement with ISU
I remember the first time I joined a school activity was when the school had organized “The freshmen Welcome Ceremony” and it is during that ceremony that I decided I wanted to be a part of this committee called International Student Union also known as ISU. There were various performances by different ISU clubs such as Music club, Drama club, Chinese club, Dance club and others. I loved what I saw and I knew that, that is what I wanted to do given that I am very energetic and active person hence I joined clubs that linked with my interests. The biggest highlight of the Welcome Ceremony was when President of ISU at that time (Judefinder) gave a speech and it gave me so much motivation and inspiration as he mentioned about his first experiences and hardships in his first year but he managed to find his place with time.
Not long after the welcome ceremony I made a choice to join ISU. In the beginning I was simply a member that participated in different clubs that aligned with my interests and these clubs were netball, music, dance, Go Green Team. I would personally describe ZUST is welcoming, inclusive and a good school. From my first day in the school, I have always felt welcome and comfortable enough to be myself as having been here definitely felt. like a home far away from home. One of the key important fact about the school as I mentioned is how the school is so inclusive of everything and everyone. It gives one a sense of belonging, value, respect and allows people to be who they are. Being here one feels a level of supportive energy and commitment from leaders, colleagues and others.
I have been quite consistent throughout the years and had so much passion for ISU as a member which resulted in me becoming the Vice secretary to secretary Jo-Anne in 2018 which I then promoted to Secretary of ISU in 2019-2020. I also promoted to become the Dance club leader in 2018-2019. In 2019-2020 I became Vice President to Eric 米莱。 I have also participated in cozy dorm competitions since 2017-2021 and have won prizes in all the competitions.
Farewell Messages
I would like to encourage freshmen, sophomores and juniors to never give up, always do your best and do what you can while you can. This journey is not easy but it is definitely worth it as there are ups and down and sometimes the downs outweigh the ups but keep holding on carry on and don’t lose hope. The feeling you get when you have successfully graduated is despicable, in that moment you will know and feel that it was all worth it and it will bring so much joy to you, your friends and family. 加油加油。
To my fellow graduates I just want to say congratulations!!! We finally made it!!! The hard work, sleepless nights, tears and stress we went through finally paid off and we can proudly say we did it and we reached the end of the line for the particular race! I would like to wish all graduates the best that this life has to offer and best of luck in all your future endeavors. The good memories we shared together will always live on my heart. It has been a journey worth our while and the best is still yet to come.
Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to each and every teacher in the School of Economics Department who was played a role in the four years leading to today’s achievement. Last but not least I would also like to thank all the ISAC teachers who encouraged and supported me, I would not have made it this far without you. Thank you.
