PostTime：5/2/2023
This summer, the Class of 2023 will graduate from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). They have big dreams and thirst for knowledge; they keep their eyes on the stars, but feet on the ground. The young "Aspirants" grow from GTIIT to a wider world. Let's follow the interview series of the graduates from the Class of 2023 to know their stories.
As one of the first group of GTIIT students from the class of 2023 to receive offers , Xu wrote a good ending for his story of GTIIT with the offer to postgraduate study from National University of Singapore. It is difficult to image that the young talent was once a "problem student" during his first two years in GTIIT. How to overcome the difficulties and regain confidence? Let's share Xu's story.
Meet with GTIIT, Meet A Better Me
After high school study, Xu planned to start undergraduate study in Sino-foreign universities such as GTIIT. In his opinion, GTIIT offers a high-level platform, research environment and faculty team to students, equipping them with high competency especially when applying for overseas further study.
Xu's first challenge at GTIIT was to overcome laziness. He slacked off at first, failed several courses and lost control of life and study. Luckily, he received teachers' support, senior fellow's help and friends' encouragements, and he decided to change. Finally, the uncontrolled life was back on track. He made progress and regained confidence.
Xu is most grateful to his mentor. Although his academic performance was not the best, his enthusiasm touched Dr. Gao Xi of GTIIT Chemical Engineering Program. Dr. Gao welcomed Xu to joined his research group. Under the guidance of the mentor, Xu worked hard to train himself with keeping exposed to latest academic topics, reading papers and doing experiments. He gradually found his own direction and interests.
For an undergraduate student, doing scientific research is not easy, Xu said. During the process, difficulties come from the problems that they had never learned at the classrooms before. On the other hand, the unexpected new problems drive students to develop the habit of independent thinking and learning. "Every GTIIT undergraduate student will join research group and try to solve problems like real scientists. This helps us bring our academic potential into full play," Xu did enjoyed it.
Xu felt that GTIIT changed him greatly. He no longer studies only for the scores, but more for interest. GTIIT has strict rules and requirements on students' study, but at the same time, the University never set limits to each students, allowing them to explore themselves and find their goals, which is the best practice of "let interest be the real teacher".
From GTIIT, to the World
When he first entered the university, Xu couldn't imagine that he can realize his dream of further study after four years' study in GTIIT. "My biggest change is my English ability." He changed from a level of "afraid of English class most", into "used to communicate in English".
"I still remember that in my first English class in GTIIT, I was very nervous when I introduced myself. Dr. Connie asked the classmates to applaud for me," he recalled. This helped him gradually gained confidence. From the glossary learning, to catching up with the English-teaching courses, he tried to communicate with the foreign professors. The improvement of English also gave him more confidence to study abroad.
Xu realized that the ability of scientific research, fluent English and career planning guidance that students have acquired at GTIIT contribute to applications for overseas postgraduate study. "GTIIT Career and Learning Center, led by Dr. Chen Fen, provides guidance and experience sharing during our four years, so we can prepare as early as possible." Career planning is incorporated into GTIIT undergraduate study so that each student can accordingly improve their abilities based on their interests and plans.
Most importantly, GTIIT has developed into a widely-recognized platform to help students realize bigger dreams. "When applying for overseas graduate programs, GTIIT graduates are highly competitive. Nearly all of the global universities will open their doors to you!" Starting from GTIIT, the students dream higher and farther.
Xu is now preparing for publishing a research paper on an international journal. The story of the young talent is continuing.
Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Xu Haotian
