The first cohort students were graduated from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology this year. The series of interviews with the graduates from Class of 2021 will show their stories with GTIIT in the past four years. Here is the story about Huang Runsheng, a student of Class of 2021 from Chemical Engineering Program.

Name: Huang Runsheng

High School: Longcheng High School, Shenzhen

Program: Chemical Engineering

Received offers from: Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, Northwest University, Rice University, Washington University in St. Louis

Awards: 

GTIIT Chancellor New Student Scholarship

GTIIT Academic Excellence Scholarship

GTIIT Dean's List Scholarship

Huang Runsheng, he can be a patient angler, a talkative sharer, and also a good listener. He is good at asking questions and learning from others' experience. He pays attention to efficient learning and aims to make learning fun and maximize the value of time.

Study chemical engineering for the memory of childhood

Huang Runsheng wanted to study abroad for master degree after undergraduate graduation, so he chose GTIIT four years ago, hoping to adapt to the international teaching mode in advance in an English teaching environment with the characteristics of questioning. And the choice of Chemical Engineering Program is greatly related to his hobby.

As a fishing enthusiast, Runsheng enjoys the time of waiting for fish to bite and the surrounding scenery. "I can sit by the river without looking at my phone for the whole afternoon. Unfortunately, the river where I used to go fishing when I was a child in my hometown has been polluted and no fish can be seen in the river now." He hopes that he can learn the knowledge and technology in the field of chemical engineering, so that one day he can contribute to the treatment of the polluted rivers in his hometown, and restore the original beauty of the memory in his childhood.

After receiving offers from several world-renowned universities, Runsheng finally decided to pursue his master degree (MS with a Concentration in Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical) at Columbia University. Currently, he has gone to the United States to start a new chapter of his life.

Achieve self-breakthrough and growth at GTIIT

Runsheng said that in such a young university at GTIIT, students had more opportunities to show their abilities and explore their potentials.

In the first semester of sophomore year, students were asked to contact the interviewees on their own to know about the operation and management of an industry through interview for the project of the entrepreneurship course. Huang Runsheng still vividly remembered the experience of exploring a new field.

"I interviewed the manager of a hair salon chain-store, asking questions about employer's career development, equipment procurement and management, the difficulties of starting a business, etc. Since then, I've been willing to learn about everything I'm curious about, and I find it interesting to interview people and hear their experiences and stories. The process has been a great exercise in my communication skills. It makes me realize that what kind of expression can show my sincerity, and make others feel comfortable and willing to share more with me. This ability is very important in the daily life."

Prof. Ori Lahav made a deep impression on Runsheng at the very beginning of his university life. “Prof. Ori answered each student's questions patiently and carefully in class and the office hour. I was touched by the humility and responsibility of a professor who was so distinguished in the academic field and willing to spend so much time answering our basic and simple questions."

"I'm interested in social issues and topics. I used to think that in a science and technology university, students would pay more attention to information about scientific research. However, when I discussed social topics with my classmates, they also showed great interests and expressed their own opinions and understandings logically and clearly." Runsheng was very happy about this. He said that when talking with his classmates, he could often feel the exchange and collision between different viewpoints and feel the charm of thinking. "This is a very rare feeling. It is a great gain to meet so many friends with high quality, diverse opinions and we can respect each other."

Huang Runsheng (left one) with his friends

Tips for getting offers from world-renowned universities

In the four years at GTIIT, Runsheng's academic performance has always been in the top ten of his program, which made him favored by many world-renowned universities when applying for postgraduate universities. He shares his three tips - ask questions, get rid of procrastination, and study in a group - with the junior students.

Huang Runsheng encourages the junior students to ask questions in class actively. "You are actually thinking actively and accepting knowledge the moment you ask questions. Asking questions can make me more focused and keep up with the teacher in class. What's more, it greatly improves my learning efficiency. Maybe some students prefer to find the answer after class, but in my opinion, the guidance from a teacher can give me an insight that I can't get after spending a lot of time watching videos or looking up literatures by myself. This is also a good opportunity to practice oral English.” Said Runsheng.

In the tedious application period, "group study" enabled Runsheng to have more partners to work with. "When applying to graduate schools, students who are applying to universities in the USA often share information about our application progress together. It is an efficient way to get more comprehensive information within limited time."

Looking back on the past four years, Huang Runsheng said, "I have both gains and regrets." "I didn't go out to experience more and try more new things in four years. I feel like I should have managed my time better so I didn't miss some opportunities." He hopes that the junior students can actively find the fun in life, to experience different life, and study happily with a positive attitude. "Time is precious. Whether it's playing or studying, make your time worthy!"

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: Huang Runsheng, GTIIT News & Public Affairs