Cameroon
As I passed through the iconic gates of Tsinghua University for the first time, my heart pounded with a blend of nervousness and exhilaration. The air seemed to carry the weight of centuries - old wisdom and the promise of a bright future. The grandeur of the campus, with its ancient - style buildings standing harmoniously alongside modern structures, was nothing short of outstanding. I knew that this was a place where dreams were nurtured and transformed into reality, and I was both eager and daunted by the journey ahead.
Even before stepping foot into the university, I was already well aware of the excellence and prestige that came with the name “Tsinghua”. Since the day I received the acceptance letter, it was a continuous stream of congratulations from everyone I knew (and sometimes people I didn’t know). The fact that I’d have to study in Mandarin Chinese, my third language, was no secret. But the thought of it weighed heavily on my conscious. “What if I can’t make it?” “There is no way I can study in a foreign language” “Maybe if I apply to other universities now, I’ll have a backup plan” were all thoughts that flooded my mind before the first semester even began.
However, I was more than surprised to see how much help and support I received from my professors, teacher’s assistants, supervisors and even my peers. Although the first few weeks of classes were a whirlwind, I felt less anxious about the courses and more enthusiastic to learn. Zhishan professors, each profound experts in their respective fields, presented their lectures with a passion and depth that I had never experienced before. The pace was brisk, and the expectations were high. Advanced concepts in Psychology class were introduced, requiring each student to think critically and deeply. Despite the rigorous pace of each class, the professors were nothing less than kind, always going the extra mile to help each student if we needed it. As the semester went on, this made me realize it was perfectly okay to seek help when needed.
The end - of - semester exams were a challenging time. I dedicated myself to intense revision, but I also made sure to take breaks with my friends. We would stroll around the beautiful campus, chatting about our winter break plans, fears, and the amazing experiences we had shared. When the results were announced, I was happy with the efforts I put in which gave me a deeper understanding of myself and my capabilities but they also showed me there’s always room for improvement.
Looking back on my first semester at Zhishan, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude and growth. I had not only expanded my academic knowledge but had also discovered new passions, made some really close friends, and learned the value of perseverance. As I eagerly anticipate the start of the next semester, I am brimming with excitement, ready to embrace new challenges and create more wonderful memories in this prestigious institution.
