Hello everyone.
My name is Yulin Wang, I am Chinese and I come from mainland China. I was born and brought up in quite a small, beautiful village with around 300 residents. My village is located far away from the bustling modern cities, so it still keeps its undisturbed traditional look: low timber-built bungalows topped with dark-grey clay tiles, with a tiny garden either at the rear or front of the house.
Some neighbours use that little garden as a vegetable patch to grow traditional vegetables such as coriander, tomatoes or Pac Choi. Others might decide to grow some easily-maintained fruit, like marble-like greps, strawberries and peaches.
My mum used to say that there is nothing better than a delicious stir fry followed by some fresh fruit – picked from the doorstep – at the end of a busy harvesting day.
After all these years, I still agree with my mum. I’ll even go as far as to say that celebrity chefs have nothing to do with my mum’s home cooking. I miss it so much right now, that my mouth is watering as I am typing this. One day, if there is a chance I will invite you over so you can taste the food by yourself!
Studying sports therapy
I am studying Sports Therapy at Chichester University in the UK now.
When I was a teenager, I was always involved in all kinds of sports: running, ping pong, basketball or swimming. And of course, I’ve suffered injuries as a consequence many a time (rolled ankles, wrist fractures etc.)
I will never forget the frustration and pain I experienced due to sports-related injuries. When I finished high school in China, I decided to go to university and study something sports related. Something that would allow me to help others to minimize the chance of becoming injured and promote their optimal wellbeing.
Having great support from my family, I bravely got on the plane from Beijing to Gatwick airport. Colourful images kept flashing in my head every time I closed my eyes: ancient Stonehenge, Hyde Park, Big Ben, mysterious monuments, the Roman city of Bath and Buckingham Palace. The 12 hours-long flight went by in the blink of an eye.
Studying in Chichester
Once I arrived at Chichester University, I quickly noticed that there were many trees scattered around the campus site. My eyes were drawn to a particular oak tree with over 100 metres height standing upright before the Old Chapel (I was told this oak tree was planted in 1873).
There are also many colourful flowers dotted around. Bell-shaped foxglove with spectacular pink flower stems, bright yellow daffodils, dark purple lavender, elegant lotus-like tulips, and delightfully fragrant roses bloming against the brick wallsblooming
I enjoy studying at Chichester University as an overseas student.
ing weekdays when I don’t have lectures, I normally grab a hot chocolate or coffee from the cantine and sit on one of the benches in the sun or in the three-storied library and enjoy reading one of my favourite novels. I also enjoy playing pool games with friends in the Student Union Bar.
In the weekends, I would meet up with some of my classmates and visit some nearby great British tour sights, such as the Arundel Castle. It was built in the 11th Century, and is situated on a magnificent ground overlooking the river Arun. I sometimes spend a leisurely day at the Brighton seafront with its famous Royal Pavilion; or go for a bike ride to the South Downs soaking up the sunlight while exploring the rolling countryside.
I have to thank my parents for being the best role models, and for teaching me how to be a caring and kind person.
I am grateful to Chichester university for their friendly, helpful tutors and other academic staff on campus. Whenever I have any trouble, whether it is study related or personal issues, I always get instant help from the staff. As anoverseasa student, I’ve never felt left out of the ‘big-university family’.
