This summer, the Class of 2023 will graduate from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). They have big dreams and thirst for knowledge; they keep their eyes on the stars, but feet on the ground. The young "Aspirants" grow from GTIIT to a wider world. Let's follow the interview series of the graduates from the Class of 2023 to know their stories.

Cheng Xueying

High School: Zhixin High School, Guangzhou

Program: Biotechnology and Food Engineering

Awards: Dean's List (2020&2023), Academic Excellence Scholarship 2020, Excellent Leadership Scholarship 2021, Excellent Award in the Second "My story with GTIIT" Speech Contest 2022, Public Service Award 2023

Offers: Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University, North Carolina State University, Technical University of Denmark

Cheng Xueying is a member of the presidium of GTIIT Student Association, a peer mentor, and also a diligent student recognized by her teachers. During her four years at GTIIT, she found out the "secret" of balancing work and rest, as well as study and extracurricular activities, and has gained an enriched university life.

Solid foundation helps go further

Xueying has been interested in biotechnology since high school and planned to study abroad. She was attracted by GTIIT's advanced experimental equipment, abundant scientific research opportunities and the competitive degree certificate of the Technion. After talking with her seniors, she further learned that there were many opportunities to communicate with professors and ask them questions at GTIIT, and such an open and inclusive learning environment strengthened her determination to study here.

Xueying with her seniors

Xueying felt the sense of accomplishment in applying the knowledge she had gained at GTIIT to practical use. "Each course is built on the previous one, and the learning process subconsciously reminds us of what we have learned before. It is amazing to find that a closed loop is formed between knowledge."

In the second semester of her junior year, Xueying participated in the Summer School at Imperial College London, where she delved into the topic of biomedical revolution and the treatment of COVID-19. "I was very interested in the subject, and I was fortunate to have a very fulfilling summer holiday, which helped me decide to pursue biopharmaceutical in the future."

Walk together with teachers and friends

In the first semester of sophomore year, Xueying joined Prof. Ka Yin Leung's laboratory. "He is not only my mentor in scientific research, but also in life. I talk to him when I am stressed, and I always feel relaxed when I walk out of his office."

Xueying with Prof. Ka Yin Leung

She was involved in a project to find a new recipient (from Edwardsiella tarda or other groups) for the transfer of Edwardsiella and E. coli plasmids. "I spent a lot of time in the lab, sometimes from 8 am to 10 pm. It was hard, but worthy." Xueying shared that when doing experiments, she faced all kinds of unexpected situations, and the process was not always as expected. "Words from Prof. Leung could light me up and open my mind. I am also very grateful to the seniors who patiently taught me the principle and details of the experiment. And thanks to my teammates, we worked together to get the project done."

Colorful experiences are precious memories

"Thank GTIIT for giving me the opportunity to turn a fleeting thought into a tangible memory." Recalling the four years at GTIIT, Xueying thinks she better understood the meaning of "life is not a track, but a wilderness".

"We are free and have a lot of time and opportunities to explore things that interest us in a variety of ways." Before coming to GTIIT, Xueying didn't expect that she could join the professor's laboratory, to experience the whole process of scientific research. She also didn't expect to become a member of the Student Association, planning and organizing large-scale activities with her teammates. Moreover, she was a peer mentor and participated in the x-culture activities. At every step she took, she was surprised by lots of new and interesting things waiting for her to experience in the world.

Xueying with her friends of GTIIT Student Association

GTIIT's New Year's party was the first major activity after Xueying joined the Student Association, which was a challenge for her. "We did everything by ourselves, from selecting hosts, screening programs, adjusting the program list to activity promotion. I was responsible for organizing and coordinating volunteers and staff, and it was great to find out that I could coordinate so many things. It was like unlocking new skills!"

Xueying has enriched life at GTIIT by exposing herself to various things. She was warm-hearted and wants to help the juniors better adapt to the change of roles, so she applied to be a peer mentor. "We took freshmen on campus tour, held ice-breaking activities and answered their questions. I felt a sense of achievement when I saw them go from being confused to gradually integrating into the big family."

Xueying will continue her studies at Carnegie Mellon University this September. May she always keep the curiosity of the world and the eagerness to explore of the unknown, have the courage to face challenges, and firmly pursue her dream.

Text/Photos: Cheng Xueying, GTIIT News & Public Affairs