My name is Elizaveta Bodieva. I am from Russia, Ulan-Ude. I am graduating from ZUST this year. The last four years have flown by so quickly!
I arrived in Hangzhou in September 2015. It was really scary to come so far away from my family to a new place where I didn’t know anyone and everything was absolutely new for me. As an incoming freshman I wish I’d known I didn’t need to know everything! I was so wrapped up in the idea that I had to know my major, how to navigate campus and the social scene, even how to do laundry with these 4-yuan washing machines. Sometimes the beauty is in figuring these things out organically. To be a successful freshman, you just have to be willing to learn as you go. Moreover, there are so many people willing to help you – teachers in ISAC, students- volunteers, and many others.
Throughout my 4 years in university, I always tried to challenge myself to try something new, something I couldn’t have done in high school. That’s how I became a part of cheerleading team on my first year. We took part in competitions, and even won the 2nd place once. That was really a fun time! Then, I joined Latin Dance Club organized by Pacome Tacoune. We became a big dancing family with all members of this club. We’ve had so many performances in school and out of school, that I even lost count. This Latin Dance Club has become a very important part of me and I’m so happy that one day I just walked in for one of the practices and I stayed. I also have been an active member of ISU (I was a Minister of Sports and Arts department for one year). We organized many events in school and became a bridge between international students and teachers of International Office. This life experience that I got is priceless!
To all students of ZUST and incoming freshmen,
Study is what we all came here for! So you should never forget to take study seriously. If you ever feel like your classes are too difficult to handle, don’t worry, there is always help out there. There are always classmates who are willing to help, and even a Study Club organized by ISU. Also, most professors are more than happy to help you during office hours if you ask them politely.
But, university is far more than only classes. It’s friendship, it’s fun, it’s memories. You should do more in university than just go to class. Meet people. Go places. Eat good food (because life is too short for bad food). Find your balance between all these aspects and your university life will be unforgettable.
Now, I would like to wish a good luck to all graduates! We’ve made it! Our new journey begins! Am I ready for the “new journey?" Who knows. But I do know that I have a lot of life experiences now to take me where I want to go. And I’ll figure it all out when I get there. Graduation is a huge accomplishment. It means, "Hey, I stuck it out for four years ," and that's amazing. It may feel really far away right now, but it's coming faster than you think. Live it up while you can!
