In February 2019, I took a leap of faith and applied for my Master's degree in Geophysics in China. At that time, I had not yet worked in the field, and I knew that this Master's program would be my stepping stone to a new life. I had put all my hopes into it, believing that it would offer me opportunities and a fresh start, despite the fact that my bachelor’s degree in Agronomy was far from related to Geophysics.
When I received the admission notice in July 2019, I was overjoyed. It felt like a dream come true, and I quickly started preparing everything to go to China. I was excited but also anxious, knowing the challenges I might face studying a subject so different from my background. However, I firmly believed in my ability to adapt and succeed.
I arrived in China on September 12, 2019. The excitement of being in a new country, surrounded by people from all over the world, filled me with energy. I immediately joined my Chinese language class, where I met students from Uzbekistan, Mali, Nigeria, Indonesia, and more. Our Chinese language teacher, Ms. Son, was incredibly kind and patient with us. Her dedication to helping us master the pronunciation of the Chinese language made a huge difference. I grew to love her not only as a teacher but as a mentor. I will always be grateful to her for her unwavering support and encouragement. She made my time in China memorable, and I will never forget her.
However, just as I was settling into my new life, the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. The world changed, and I had to continue my studies online. At first, I was devastated. I was away from my classmates and teachers, and the prospect of studying in a completely different environment was overwhelming. But even though the situation was difficult, I remained determined to continue my Master's program. The transition to online learning wasn't easy, but I pushed through, doing everything I could to keep up with my coursework.
Then, in 2024, after several years of uncertainty, China reopened its doors to international students. I was finally able to return to China in March 2024, and I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I worked tirelessly on my Master’s thesis, but there was one person who played a crucial role in making it all possible—my supervisor, Professor Hu Ming Shun. His guidance and expertise were invaluable to me. He didn’t just help me navigate the challenges of my research; he also provided encouragement when things got tough. His insight and patience helped me shape my thesis into something I could be proud of, and I can never thank him enough for his dedication and support. Professor Hu was an exceptional mentor, and I could not have completed my degree without him.
Finally, I graduated with my Master’s in Geophysics, and it felt like a true achievement. Returning to Guyana, I felt proud of what I had accomplished. Now, I work as a Technical Officer in Petroleum at the Ministry of Natural Resources, applying the skills and knowledge I gained in China.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, challenges, and the amazing people I met along the way. I am especially thankful to Ms. Son, my Chinese language teacher, and Professor Hu Ming Shun, my supervisor. Their kindness and dedication made all the difference in my journey.
I believe that my time in China not only gave me a solid academic foundation but also transformed me into a more resilient and determined person. I will always cherish my journey and the lessons I learned along the way.
