The autumn of 2012 was a new beginning for my life. Under the gaze of my parents' expectations, with hope and vision for the future, I stood with determination and walked into the gates of Soochow University. From that moment on, I embraced the long-awaited university life and understood clearly this was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

At the freshman orientation ceremony, Secretary Yuan, the College's leader, delivered an inspiring speech that greatly benefited me. He said: "You are the hope of the College, and the elite of future overseas studies. Here, the leaders and teachers of the college will spare no effort to help you realize your dreams and achieve your value." At that moment, I knew my choice was right. As a student of the Sino-Canadian 2+2 Program, I would spend two years here receiving higher education in conjunction with the University of Victoria in Canada and receiving professional guidance for studying abroad. Since then, I officially became a member of Soochow University in finance.

The two years at Soochow University were colorful, fulfilling, and busy. Activities, organized by the college, such as sports events, Halloween celebrations, New Year's Eve parties, English competitions, and many others, have promoted my comprehensive development in morality, intellect, and physical fitness. Here, I met many outstanding classmates, and strived together with them for the future. They have become indispensable friends on the journey of my life, and have provided me with tremendous help and support, especially in my later overseas university life. I am deeply grateful to them. There is another person whom I am very grateful to. She is Ms. Ji, teacher of our International Finance class. I have benefited a lot from her sincere teachings and words and deeds. To this day, Teacher Ji still cares about us even we have graduated. She is considered a good teacher and helpful friend.

Over the two-year period, in an excellent foreign language teaching environment and with the training of English professors, our professional knowledge has been steadily improved, our English proficiency has been progressed rapidly, and our listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills have gone from weak to solid. Our preparations for studying abroad were also well arranged. I knew my dream of studying aboard was about to come true.

In the summer of 2014, I finally embarked on the path of studying abroad to complete the other half of my studies at the University of Victoria in Canada. The life at aboard is filled with various challenges. There is a saying: " When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, he must first make his mind and will suffer and strain his bones and muscles..." When my teacher explained this saying in high school, I didn't quite understand its meaning, but now I do. I would like to share some personal tips here: First, remember that the purpose of studying is to graduate successfully; second, cultivate the ability to study and think independently; third, do not overlook the professors around you, as they are your valuable resources; fourth, participate in extracurricular activities and try new things; fifth, in addition to study, also learn how to live; and finally, have your own circle of friends, life will not be lonely.

In the summer of 2017, I successfully earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Looking back on my efforts and sacrifices over these years, I felt that everything was worthwhile at that moment. I would like to thank the Sino-Canadian program, the leaders and teachers at Soochow University, and my friends. It is your help and care that has brought me to where I am today. However, for me, this is just the beginning. There are more opportunities and challenges ahead of me, and I will not forget my original intentions but continue to move forward!

(Jialu Xu, is a graduate student at Cass Business School in the UK now)