My story was typical of ordinary people who work hard
Maybe the teachers and students related to it
I appreciate their recognition
When Zhang Rongyu was informed that she gotthe nomination for Outstanding Star of Shenzhen University
She was surprised at first
Then she felt deeply moved
Top 2% GPA ranking, university scholarships,
First prize in Mathematical Contest In Modeling(MCM),
With her effort and hard work,
Zhang Rongyu was the first student
to be recommended for admission to a leading university of finance and economics as an academic postgraduate student
Since the establishment of the Economics School of SZU
The picture shows Zhang Rongyu answering scholarship interview questions
Accumulate as much as possible, and then fly up to the highest sky
“Many scholarship applicants are better than me,” Zhang said. She described her college life as “dull” and said she spent most of her time and energy in studies and contests.
She had her rhythm of study—reviewing in time, taking a month off for finals, study habits and methods—listening carefully in class, practicing before exams, and reviewing mistakes. These are the straight-A student's secrets to good grades.
She stood out in the Modeling Contest as a sophomore. First she participated in the contest for utilitarian purposes, but later during the process, she determined where to head: continue postgraduate experience and academic study, and contests can help her acquire knowledge from wider fields.
Her attitude towards contests gradually changed: learning from the process, rather than attaining awards. “I think we should enjoy the learning process, and I don’t regret trying as long as I make effort,” said Zhang. The transition took the pressure off her.
Zhang Rongyu’s First Prize Certificate in Mathematical Contest in Modeling
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.Her efforts more than compensate for her lack of experience in establishing mathematical models as an economics major. When others in holiday taking a rest or having an internship, she was still working hard on data, mock contests, the practice of previous years, and sample essays.
She took part in training and competitions organized by school, connecting with teammates and getting along. They developed a deep friendship and won first place in many contests.
However, time and energy are limited. Zhang regrated participating exclusively in model-related competitions. She encouraged colleges to try more different types of contests relevant to their major, such as market research if time allows.
Helping others, receiving warmth
In addition to her efforts in the study, Zhang’s willingness to contribute and help others is another bright color of her life. Volunteering more than 200 hours, she took volunteer work beyond accumulating volunteer hours, “the most important thing is, it makes your spare time meaningful,” Zhang said. Involving in volunteer activities had healed her heart.
Zhang Rongyu’s certificate of volunteer work
In her second year of college, Zhang volunteered on Mondays to tutor pupils in the "4:30 Afterschool" program, a nonprofit that helps students whose classes end early but whose parents are busy at work. Letters and tiny gifts from those little schoolchildren moved her a lot.
She made new friends as well when she engaged in volunteer work. Zhang said, “I met a nice girl. She is my senior, and we are now good friends.” For her, volunteering is a two-way street——she contributed to society, and received warmth in turn.
Zhang Rongyu inthe "4:30 Afterschool" program
Zhang Rongyu on the rightmost in the 2nd row
In addition to engaging in public welfare activities, she worked as an assistant, helping students 2 years behind in CFA small programs adjust to college.
She shared learning resources and notes, taught them useful study methods, showed them her own mind maps, and encourage them to participate in volunteer works and contests.
In their eyes, she was a disciplined person with defined purposes in mind. She was warm and gentle and was the sort of person people tell their problems and secrets to. She was happy to help them and learned a lot from these younger students.
Forging forwardon a strange road
Others admired her good grades, but her learning journey was not smooth indeed. When she was a freshman, Zhang, like many others, was confused, didn't know what to do, and had no plan.
But she gradually adjusted to focus on what was “universally correct”, such as taking school work seriously and getting a higher GPA. Having these done, she pursued her hobbies. “Don’t push yourself, and don’t relax too much," she said, "just keep your rhythm.”
When she first started working as an assistant, Zhang was bombarded with WeChat messages. But she had clear work boundaries——when she had a task that required her full attention, she isolated herself from her mobile phone and then found a period to respond. Thanks to her reasonable schedule, Zhang’s life was enriched by both study and colorful activities.
Zhang began to learn policy and data on the postgraduate recommendation in the second term of her junior year. She attended summer programs of nine colleges, including Shandong University and Southwestern University of Finance and economics, and was awarded by all these universities the honor of Outstanding Participant. “All efforts are not made for nothing, success comes through hard work.” This old Chinese saying aptly captures Zhang’s arduous journey of study. Repeated siftings brought her an offer of admission to the Central University of Finance and Economics.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get” is Zhang Rongyu’s conclusion from her four-year life at Shenzhen University.
Whether it was the “Outstanding Star Nomination award” or other achievements she attained, she considered good luck a reason for her success.
But what is undeniable is that nothing can be gained without effort. Do the best and leave the rest, as she had always believed. For Zhang, with an offer in hand, her learning journey continues, far from over. She didn’t have many interests to balance, “now striving to do well in studies is my goal.”
Zhang’s message to SZUers
Positive, hard-working, and warm are the keywords of my four-year life in college. Shenzhen University provided me with a great education and other resources that help me achieve my potential and make breakthroughs; teachers and friends gave me a lot of encouragement. I hope all students in this beautiful “litchi orchard”(SZU is known for its litchi trees, litchi orchard is its nickname ) can explore the possibilities of youth, and my be-loved SZU will have better development in the future.
