Twin sisters Xing Mingyu and Xing Mingfang, who have studied together from primary school to UIC, are prepared to embark on postgraduate life at the University College London (UCL). Though identical in appearance, the twins have been distinct in academic choices and successes.
Xing Mingfang (left, younger sister) and Xing Mingyu (right, elder sister)
The twins made a decision to follow their hearts and focus on their studies during college selection. They believe that UIC's English teaching environment and curriculum setting could help students realise their self-worth and provide them with ample space for dream chasing. Henceforth, Mingyu chose the programme of Food Science and Technology, while Mingfang picked Media and Communication Studies.
Mingyu has always wanted to pursue pharmaceuticals or nutrition because she hopes her research could benefit the public. Her first research project in her second year at UIC was studying hydrogels for diabetes treatment, motivated by scientific curiosity and personal connection as there were diabetic elders in her family. She continued to dig into the disease area and finished her final year project on osteoarthritis treatment.
Xing Mingyu (second from left) and team win the Most Valuable Business Award at UIC's Innovative Food Carnival
Xing Mingyu (middle) with classmates at UIC's Final Year Project Exhibition
Outside of research work, she completed several internships including one at a research centre of China Customs where she encountered many new experimental equipment and wrote a report after conducting a text independently.
Xing Mingyu works in a lab
Meanwhile, twin sister Mingfang chose the field of media because she believes in the power of storytelling. During her time at UIC, she participated in diverse activities and internships, such as planning education exhibitions, editing newspapers and magazines, and shooting documentaries.
Xing Mingfang in her own documentary film
In her second year, she started a cross-border e-commerce business with her classmates. After three months of product testing and live-streaming adjustments, they managed to make progress.
This autumn, both sisters will be heading off to study for Master's degrees at UCL. Mingyu has been admitted to the Clinical and Public Health Nutrition Programme while Mingfang Creative and Collaborative Enterprise Programme.
Regarding their future plans, the elder sister wants to pursue PhD, possibly another Master's degree related to law and become a food safety lawyer, whereas the younger plans another startup venture of building a visual studio.
"Go to any lengths to pursue the things you love" was the motto and the methodology for the two when choosing their future development paths. With four years of accumulation at UIC, they are ready to set sail for the next stop.
Xing Mingyu receives UIC's Second Class Award
Xing Mingfang receives UIC's Prof Xu Jialu Whole Person Education Award
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photos provided by the interviewees
Editor: Deen He
