Ms Zou Chunyan, the parent of a fourth-year Environmental Science (ENVS) student Zan Rudai, shared the changes she witnessed in her son in the past fours at UIC.
Rudai’s family comes from Karamay, Xinjiang, located in northwestern China. Although Zhuhai is far from Karamay, Zan’s family never feels distant from UIC. Apart from hearing about UIC from their friends, many graduates in Ruidai’s high school opted for studies at UIC, and they came back to share their UIC life with juniors. Rudai was drawn to UIC’s liberal arts education, English language environment and the small-size classroom teaching as he wanted to receive international education. After the college entrance examination, Rudai applied to UIC and got admitted with support from his family.
Receiving help from senior students
In Rudai’s first year, he made friends through the Mentor Caring Programme. Rudai could go to seniors such as his peer mentors when he had doubts, and gradually he had a clearer picture of the future. He joined several interest clubs and got used to a life away from home. At the same time, he participated in volunteering and learned to be more empathetic.
During his summer programme at the University of Westminster. Rudai (second from right) and his classmates visited the Warner Brothers Studio (where the Harry Potter series were filmed) on the weekend
Invited by International Development Office, Rudai shared his exchange experience overseas
Benefiting a lot from MCP, Rudai decided to become a peer mentor, offering help to his junior students. He has enjoyed being a peer mentor for three consecutive years.
Rudai has been a peer mentor for three years
His instructor provides solid academic support despite challenges along the way
Rudai is a hardworking student. In his second year, He spent a lot of his evening time at the Learning Resources Centre, reduced after-class activities and even stayed on campus during a winter holiday to prepare for the IELTS test. His efforts paid off. Rudai got the First Class Award for his outstanding academic performance.
Rudai at the 2019 first-year orientation activity
Due to the pandemic outbreak, Rudai’s scheduled IELTS exam was postponed. With concerns in mind, he made a video call with his instructor Dr Tsim Siu Tai, the Programme Director of ENVS, to discuss his plans and thoughts. This meeting reassured him. Nearly a year later, in March 2021, Rudai finally had the IELTS exam and got a satisfactory score.
Studying in the laboratory of ENVS
Inspired by Dr Tsim, Rudai developed an interest in ecology, and he decided to carry on his academic life in the relevant field. Accordingly, Rudai applied for postgraduate studies, utilising UIC’s various resources and platforms. During the summer holiday of his third year, Rudai stayed on campus to prepare his final year project and application for further education at the same time. As a result, he received offers from the National University of Singapore at the end of August 2021 and from the University College London (Ms in Biodiversity and Global Change) in January 2022.
Rudai took a photo with his FYP supervisor Dr Siu Tai Tsim, after the FYP presentation
The final year is a stressful year for Rudai. Luckily, the WPE Emotional Intelligence course has prepared him to adjust himself, and he managed to find a way to release his stress. Ms Zou said she was glad that her kid became more mature.
In knowledge and in deeds, unto the whole person
Ms Zou still remembers when she sent his son to UIC four years ago. Every time she came to Zhuhai for a visit, she felt amazed to witness new changes in her son, big or small. Ms Zou is very thankful to the UIC faculty. She believes Rudai couldn’t go this far without help from his teachers.
Rudai participated in the Science and Technology Poster Presentation
The graduation season is approaching. Even though college life is about to end, Rudai will be going on a new Journey. Ms Zou wishes that Rudai never forget what UIC has taught him and becomes a better “whole person” in the following stages of life.
From MPRO
Reporter: Li Ruifeng
Editors: Deen He, Covee Wang
