Editor's note: UCAS espouses the philosophy of "The Fusion of Scientific Research and Teaching" as its basic system of education. The fusion of UCAS and CAS institutes in terms of management, education, faculty, training, and scientific research is fully supported and facilitated by and under the auspices of CAS. As a result, UCAS students receive not only advanced scientific knowledge but also professional scientific research skills at UCAS and CAS institutes. At the same time, learning in UCAS also provides students an opportunity to travel in China and experience a Chinese-style life. Muhammad Adnan, a Pakistani student at UCAS, writes this article to share his experience and feelings studying and living in China.
My name is Muhammad Adnan. I am from KPK, Pakistan, which is one of the most natural resources-rich areas, but one of the most deprived areas regarding facilities. Pakistan and China have been close friends for many years. The long-standing relationship between the two countries has been beneficial for both sides. Pak-China ties have been described as higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than the eyesight, and sweeter than honey. The foundation of bilateral ties is a shared commitment to upholding and advancing common interests and values. China has a consistent record of supporting Pakistan. I was pleased and very satisfied after being selected for the Belt and Road Master Fellowship Programme (BRI) award. Now, I live in China; in August 2019, I enrolled as a master’s student at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), a big stepping stone toward a brighter future. I spent my first year at UCAS learning the Chinese language and coursework before I joined my research team at the Institute of Geochemistry, CAS (IGCAS). My stay at UCAS was an incredible time of my life. The Chinese language and culture were the prerequisites for my degree; learning Chinese makes me smarter. The Chinese language makes my life more entertaining. These courses helped me a lot to improve my language skills and to be better equipped to compete in professional life as well as student life. When I saw Chinese students going to classes in the early morning was an enjoyable moment for me. From that, I understand that the early riser enjoys their life.
UCAS is the name of nature (as well as Nature Index) which provides all research facilities with a clean environment and many more. UCAS enabled me to enjoy life through friendship, literature, intelligence, and technology. A high literacy rate is the key to success for a nation. Education sharpens a nation's hard, soft, and meta-skills to achieve a sustainable economy. That's why China is going through the way of a great nation. Looking and observing keenly, I know that UCAS has played a key role in science and technology for the last few years.
△ Muhammad Adnan
I joined my research group in July 2020 at IGCAS. That was a really exciting moment to meet my Professor for the first time. It was the Monday morning that I met with Professor XIAO Baohua; my senior was also there during the meeting. Then we had a regular meeting weekly, and this meeting was a turning point and milestone in my research progress. The meeting was not just to ask questions but also to motivate us for novel work. When I discussed my research article with my Professor, he just said that Research means “Thinking about thinking”. Be a professional writer! Once you have successfully published your novel work, after that, other researchers will happily read your work. And that will be your uniqueness. Without a doubt, these were the crucial factor for making me a professional in my research. All these motivations allow me to express my ideas in a productive way. In the end, he mentioned that one could become successful if one remains consistent with his work. In the age of science and technology in UCAS, there are multiple platforms available where you can learn about a particular thing. This process will definitely make you a good researcher because practice makes a man perfect. I understood that he pushed me in the process of learning and acquiring skills, values, morals, beliefs, and personal development.
A truly literate person has only a minimum of sophistication. Morality, upbringing, and quality make up the word culture. Culture is the identity of an individual or nation, and China provides her culture and language to us. Language plays an important role in our cross-culture. It provides multi knowledge regarding culture and trade and opens the door to the world's knowledge. So, the central point is not culture but the imbalance in man’s personality. I have been with my Professor for the last three years. He often teaches me the principle of Chinese culture. In my eyes, he is a kind and traditional Chinese man full of wisdom. I am so fortunate to have such a kind Professor. People who look very young are mostly very kind. Kindness is the most important quality of life. A kind person is a happy person. I enjoyed close and friendly relations with my Professor and Chinese friends.
Aside from that, I went out to get knowledge from different places, such as traveling to the "Great Wall," "Forbidden City" in Beijing, "Terracotta Warriors and Horses" in Xi’0an, Guizhou, Xinjiang, and many other regions. In China, It's very important to do some homework before visiting a great cultural spot. During my visit to Terracotta Army (Terracotta Warriors and Horses), I was impressed by Qin dynasty work! One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known to many as the eighth wonder of the world. The old and well-known saying goes, "If you want to know more about China well, you should go to Terracotta Warriors and Horses to feel something splendid". My experience at the "Great Wall" will stick with me forever. In China, a proverb goes, "He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man." To be a "Hero", I faced the scorching sun and arrived at the Great Wall's lofty. The Chinese culture has a long history and has been splendid for over 5000 years. Guizhou has traditionally been a rich province in China. Guizhou people are very friendly and have goodwill towards all international people, especially Pakistanis. Xinjiang is the largest province in China and has its uniqueness and natural beauty.
Success takes many forms: At one level, sharing may be the true measure of all success, whether it’s money, wisdom, or good intentions. A person is truly successful when he begins to contribute to society. Success must be related to events; without events, there is no success. I propose a new definition of success: Success is the satisfaction and excitement that people get when they do something they really want to do. Life is not a race. It’s a playground to radiate your uniqueness.
Education is a basal requisite of every human being. China plays an important role in providing practical assistance to worthy students worldwide. Gratitude is a kind of recognition that comes from the heart. Be grateful and learn to give back. All in all, thank you is essential. Thanks to my teachers, their rich teaching experience and persuasive teaching methods have allowed me to make great progress here, and my grades have made a huge leap, and finally, I got a PhD admission under ANSO (Alliance of International Science Organizations). Now, I will continue to work hard and win glory for UCAS. Finally, I would like to thank China for the care and unwavering love, assistance, and resources that China has provided to international students like me, and so many others are truly appreciated. Especially thanks to Professor Xiao Baohua, UCAS, CAS, BRI, ANSO, Institute of Geochemistry, and International College for helping me, and I hope that China will be prosperous and move towards milestones step by step.
Author: Muhammad Adnan
Editor: GAO Yuan
