Pharmacy 1302 Jia Ruyu

It is probably the dogged determination to go forward that made me choose to go to the UK as an exchange student in my senior year despite all the odds. What I learned and experienced at Cardiff proved that it was a rewarding trip, every day being a new fresh day. The British people are not as cold as they say in the books. The weather is alike not as bad as they make fun of themselves, maybe because I can feel their enthusiasm and optimism.

From dawn to dusk—Main Building

Science Library

Because I chose two postgraduate courses at Cardiff University, the pressure in the UK was actually much greater than at home. Thanks to the teachers, who were patient, strict, and lovely, they helped me complete the courses successfully. It seemed that the teaching mode which featured shorter learning hours and more holidays was what all the students dreamed of. However, at the end of the term, the final exam review, report writing, and presentation made us students work around the clock.

Lecture: Prof. Louis’s Asymmetric Synthesis

The most memorable part of the exchange was choosing the Short Project offered by Prof. Casini and making acquaintance with a group of great and lovely teachers and Ph.D.s. With the help and encouragement of my tutor, Prof. Casini, and Dr. Andreia, I successfully got the offer from MSc, Cardiff University. When I was struggling with the feeling that I was getting nowhere, my teachers would always come to me and comfort me. With their encouragement and approval, I gradually enhanced my self-confidence and assured myself that what I was learning was worthwhile. Because of them, I became less confused and fearful about my research or life. In addition to studying and working, there are pub nights in the lab every week, which allowed me to experience the British pub culture up close.

These 133 days have filled my heart with gratitude. I want to thank all my teachers and family who made this exchange possible, all the people I met and touched in the UK, and myself for being so persistent. I have been looking for more opportunities to get closer to the world, and I will not stop. What a memorable college life!