{"id":6213,"date":"2026-11-09T20:37:56","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T12:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/?alumni=6213"},"modified":"2026-11-09T20:38:12","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T12:38:12","slug":"anvil-of-growth-second-home-of-my-heart","status":"publish","type":"alumni","link":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/?alumni=6213","title":{"rendered":"Anvil of Growth, Second Home of My Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-6214\" src=\"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724751-scaled-e1794227565917.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724751-scaled-e1794227565917.png 738w, https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724751-scaled-e1794227565917-285x300.png 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Looking back on my years at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), I view them as one of the most transformative and meaningful chapters of my life. USTC was not merely where I pursued academic excellence and completed an essential stage of my higher education; it was the anvil on which my confidence, resilience, and global perspective were forged. It redefined my way of thinking, sharpened my sense of purpose, and paved the way for the professional journey I\u00a0walk today.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">My time at USTC was both challenging and deeply rewarding. The university&#8217;s rigorous academic environment compelled me to think critically, conduct research with precision, and cultivate the unwavering discipline required for high-level scholarship. While there were moments of pressure and uncertainty, those very trials became my most valuable lessons. They taught me patience, perseverance, and the resolve to press forward even when facing formidable obstacles. USTC demonstrated to me that profound personal growth often stems from adversity, and that every challenge can be transformed into a\u00a0source of enduring strength.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Beyond academic training, what made those years truly unforgettable was the life I experienced in China. Living and studying there allowed me to discover a nation of extraordinary depth, warmth, and vitality. I came to admire not only China&#8217;s profound history and rich traditions, but also its dynamic energy, rapid development, and relentless spirit of innovation. It was inspiring to witness a society where ancient heritage and cutting-edge progress coexist so harmoniously.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On a deeply personal level, China provided me with a profound sense of connection and belonging. Throughout my stay, I was touched by the genuine warmth, hospitality, and sincerity of the Chinese people. Whether in daily interactions, on campus, or in the broader community, I was consistently welcomed, respected, and supported. These experiences left an indelible mark on my heart, making China feel far more than just a destination of study\u2014it truly became my second home.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The friendships I forged during this journey are among my most cherished treasures. At USTC, I had the privilege of connecting with wonderful peers from China and across the globe. Together, we navigated the demands of research, celebrated academic breakthroughs, and shared the simple joys of everyday life. We lifted each other up during demanding times and built memories that I will forever hold dear. These bonds brought immense warmth and vibrancy to my years at USTC, reminding me that education extends beyond books and laboratories\u2014it is rooted in human connection, mutual support, and shared growth.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Immersing myself in Chinese culture added a rich, profound dimension to my life. Participating in traditional festivals, experiencing local customs, and enjoying the cuisine deepened my appreciation for the wisdom and beauty of Chinese civilization. I was particularly moved by the core values of respect, community, dedication, and harmony that permeate everyday life. These cultural experiences broadened my worldview, enriching me in ways that transcend academic achievements.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6215\" src=\"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1590\" height=\"1092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762.png 1590w, https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762-1024x703.png 1024w, https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762-768x527.png 768w, https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/\u56fe\u724752-scaled-e1794227849762-1536x1055.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1590px) 100vw, 1590px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking back on my years at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), I view them as one of the most transformative and meaningful chapters of my life. USTC was not merely where I pursued academic excellence and completed an essential stage of my higher education; it was the anvil on which my [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-6213","alumni","type-alumni","status-publish","hentry","alumni-category-alumni-submissions"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/6213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/alumni"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/alumni"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/6213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6217,"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/6213\/revisions\/6217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ic.ustc.edu.cn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}