Editor's Note;

Education, in our opinion at Zhejiang University, goes much beyond the classroom. Our goal is to develop well-rounded students who flourish in leadership and community service in addition to their academic success. Through a variety of programs, from extracurricular activities to academic mentoring, we hope to develop holistic medical practitioners with a global perspective. In this interview, we follow the story of Danish, who has taken advantage of these opportunities and who has shown development in his academic performance, service, and intercultural involvement.

Walking into Zhejiang University for the first time was a mix of excitement, curiosity, and to be honest, a little nervousness. But having already lived in China for a couple of years, settling in wasn't as overwhelming as it could've been. I did manage to pick up on some sense of culture and way of life, and even picked up a bit on the language, which definitely didn't do any harm. Naturally, that wasn't sufficient to make everything just smooth sailing by any stretch—adapting to the workload and acclimating to studying in such a multicultural student population was still tough, but the welcoming environment, understanding lecturers, and incredible individuals I came across all combined to make it so much easier.

If anything, I learnt at university is that friends help the most through it all. University life is a rollercoaster of extremes, and had it not been for my friends, I'm certain that I would not be where I am today. From studying for exams, celebrating the smallest of victories, or simply having a laugh after a long day's work at the books, they've been with me every step of the way. In all honesty, university would never be the same without them.

Receiving the Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship has been one of the biggest milestones in my journey at Zhejiang University. It's proof that hard work pays off. When I first came to China, stepping into a completely different culture and education system was a combination of thrilling and intimidating. But I did not intend to squander this experience. The secret to adapting was in finding the balance between your social life and academics. Becoming a doctor is not a simple thing—it requires dedication, pulling late nights going over textbooks studying, and solid understanding of concepts that constantly branch out further and further. But in between all this pressure, I took time to get involved in other parts of university life, including leadership roles and extracurricular activities that contributed to who I am today.

Extracurriculars

Leadership would eventually become a large part of my university life. I started off as the leader of Class 4. That helped boost my confidence to fill the role of Vice President in the Student Union. Being part of the Student Union has been one of the best experiences during my time here. Organizing events like Sports Day and Christmas celebrations, helping foreign students feel welcome in a foreign country, and working with such a lively team has been fantastic. The cherry on top? Seeing the impact we have—whether it's uniting the students, solving issues, or just making university life better. It isn't always an easy job; there are times when multitasking duties gets overwhelming, but seeing all of my students enjoying themselves at an event makes it all worthwhile.

Sports have been another large area of my life. Playing for the university soccer team has been nothing short of amazing. The bond with my teammates, the adrenaline of the matches, and the sheer joy of the game have made it an unforgettable experience. Winning second place in the Jiliang University tournament wasn't just about the achievement—it was about the hours of practice, the teamwork, and the pure love of the sport. Soccer has been my stress relief and my motivation.

Conclusion

To me success isn't always about the awards or the championships. It's about who you meet and what you learn along the way. The friendships I've developed and the experience I've obtained at Zhejiang University truly matter. Success will follow inevitably when you're focused on progress and forming authentic relationships. The shared wins and failures, the moments of laughter and motivation—all of those make you much more than any diploma. It's the relationships that are worth it, the encouragement that helps you overcome the tough stuff, and the wisdom that stays with you long after graduation. True accomplishment isn't found in medals or trophies, but in what you do for others and how you experience them in the process. It's the times when you assist a struggling classmate or when a fellow teammate gives you support following a defeat. It's the family feeling that makes you understand you're not merely chasing your personal goals—you belong to something greater. Success is not necessarily about being able to look back at your journey and see the mileposts that you've passed, but seeing as well the people who helped you along the way and the effect that you have had upon them. In the end, the richness of your experience, the people you've met, and what you've learned along the way are what truly matter.

I am forever thankful for the encouragement of my peers, instructors, and mentors who have walked with me through this journey. This award has provided me with an additional boost to take the next step, reach even higher, and inspire others to chase their dreams too. I hope my experience can serve as a testament that with the correct attitude, persistence, and right supporting cast, anything is possible. Every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. Lastly, I hope to keep making an impact and achieving more in the coming years in this university.


Written by: Danish
Edited by: Chen Weiying