It’s universally true that enrollment and graduation tend to be the truly unforgettable moments for university students. As university life begins, we all come to a new phase of life with so many unknown experiences waiting for us. As university life unfolds itself gradually, we embark on a journey of seeking our own identity and learning how to be tough. Yet getting rid of the illusion that I had already endured the blizzard of assignments and study university life offers, plus the campus life, I come to a totally different phase in my life and it is not that easy. Full of elation, expectation and anxiety, I started my brand-new chapter of postgraduate life here at WHU, only to find out how innocent I was. Life will always give you a lesson as it moves on. That’s why it counts. But just like Tennyson once said, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” Thousands of failures only taught me how to carry on independently, but what is more valuable is a complete new self on this challenging path.
Entering this beautiful campus full of charisma, like all of you, I am already deeply in love with its atmosphere. Cozy dormitory, lovely roommates, erudite scholars and professors, as well as all kinds of attractive unions and social activities. As passionate and extroverted as I am, it leaves me no time to participate in all of the diverse associations and activities on campus. Everything is just perfect. After the general election, I was elected the leader of the Postgraduate Union of the School of Foreign Languages and Literature. In the meantime, three years of intensive training at WHU Interpretation Team provided me the basics of not only interpreting and translating, but also the multi-task ability and anti-stress skill. Out of trust and appreciation, I’d also become the leader of WHU Interpretation Team. This is why you can see a super-girl like me trying to do as much as I can. Last semester saw me struggling through the work and study, trying to strike a balance between the two. I had a tight schedule everyday, deeply involved in all kinds of activities as interpreters and hosts. To name just a few, I was part of the Wuhan City of Automobile “International Football Tournament 2014” as an English radio announcer, interpreter for the 2014 Sweden-China Scientific, Technological, Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, simultaneous interpreter for 2014 Wuhan Evening News Summit Forum, escort interpreter for the overseas office of Wuhan Municipal Government during the 2014 Conference on Overseas Chinese Pioneering and Developing in China, escort interpreter for Mr Liu Chuantie, Director-general of Hubei Provincial Department of Education in receiving Ms Elizabeth Truss, Parliament Under-Secretary of State for Education and Childcare and“47th International Convention Conference”. I also love volunteering which is both rewarding and meaningful. Thus I participated in the 5th Dongfeng Moter 5th FIBA Asia Cup and Seminar on Economic Globalization and Industrial Transfer, which is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2014’s summer vacation. As you can see, I can hardly figure out how I can go through those harsh days. But anyway, when you look back, you will find life has always helped you find the essence of what’s fit for you. That’s important.
Perhaps you might feel a little bit confused. How can this road of fulfillment be yet so frustrating? For most people, the more you get, the more you receive. But in my mind, I am so grateful for what I have experienced in the last semester just because it was full of twists and turns instead of rewards and flowers as it may seem to someone who doesn’t have the full story. Nearly a year passed since I became a WHU postgraduate student, I learnt a great deal from all these wonderful experiences. More importantly, I met so many great friends, whom I could never find if I was not here. Besides, I love what I do right now. Thinking and seeking the essence of life. As a postgraduate student, I tried to see the world from a different perspective. Although the past can be harsh, I know it is still worth remembering. Even when the future looks dim , it is still worth trying for the fact that at least I have tried.
Therefore, whatever you encounter in your lives, trust me, you will find the way out. Here comes what I’ve learned through this struggling battle. Yes, I can call it a battle. Just like a sentence from Caesar, “I saw, I came, I conquered”. The men who prefer idling around will always lag behind. Therefore I’d like to share with you 3 tips to win this battle.
Tip 1: live every day to the fullest. Time is limited, so if you don’t want to regret your days in youth, please, learn more things. You’ll never know what can make wonders in the future.
Tip 2: challenge yourself to do something new. The best thing I find to be a postgraduate student is to have more time to plan on your own. Besides attending classes, there’s a bigger world out there for you, where you can show your talents. For example, social groups give you the chance to meet more interesting people and expand your interpersonal circle. Those people will prove a great source of strength on the road ahead.
Tip 3: keep your head up all the time. You’ll definitely encounter some disturbing issues. At that time, patience is what you need. Just stay calm and let it be, everything will turn out to be OK.
In this brand-new chapter of WHU, I will always remember a quote from Seneca, “As is a tale, so is life; Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” The same goes for all of you.
(Edited by Diana & Sijia Hu)
