Danielle: Tianjin University is My Second Home

Mouissou Pouaty Mababidy Danielle Colombe Stella Grace from the Republic of Congo, is a graduate student majoring in environmental science at Tianjin University. She has been in Tianjin for eight years since she attended the preparatory course at Tianjin University’s School of International Education. And she is now studying for a doctorate at Tianjin University’s School of Environment Science and Engineering. She said fondly,” I enjoy the life in China, and Tianjin University has already become my second home which I will think of no matter what other places I go to.”

A Family Story with China over Three generations

When asked why she came to China for further education, Danny said that her family has been closely tied to China for three generations.. “My grandpa used to work in Beijing, and my father and my uncle finished their senior high and college education in Beijing as well.  Therefore, I began to ponder what China was like in my childhood.” Out of curiosity, Danny made up her mind to study in China and follow the footprints of the older generations.

“I fell in love with China the first time I came here. People here are friendly. The economy is developing rapidly. And I think having a good command of Chinese will benefit me a lot in the future.” Danny can speak Chinese fluently after living in China for eight years. However, at the beginning of her study, language was the biggest obstacle she confronted. “I had no idea what the teachers were talking about at all.” In order to overcome the language barrier, Danny gathered up the courage to make friends with Chinese students. “I’ve got a lot of help from Chinese students, both in study and daily life. I couldn’t graduate without them.” Apart from communicating with her classmates, Danny watched Chinese films and TV series in leisure time, which helped her to understand Chinese culture and learn more language skills. Danny laughed,” I like modern comedies best, while through the ethical dramas I understood Chinese family culture better, especially what filial duty is.”

Danny likes Chinese culture, Chinese calligraphy in particular. “I have taken part in all kinds of activities held by different schools, especially the activities about Chinese calligraphy. Chinese characters are hard to write, but they are very beautiful.”

Study at TJU, Love Peiyang

In the eyes of her classmates, Danny is not only good at studying, but also warm-hearted. After graduation, she acquired the scholarship offered by the Chinese government successfully and studied for her postgraduate degree at Tianjin University’s School of Environment Science and Engineering. She has a good command of French, English and Chinese. During her postgraduate education, she was mainly devoted to practical research. As the only overseas student of the research group, both her practical ability and research method were acclaimed by professors and other students, especially her tutor Professor Zhao Lin. “We have the same training standards for domestic and foreign students. Danny’s master thesis is an experimental thesis which focuses on sludge recycling application. This thesis is of high quality.” Because of her excellent practical ability and research method, Danny will continue to pursue for a doctorate in Tianjin University’s School of Environment Science and Engineering under the recommendation of Professor Zhao Lin .

“When I first came to China, I got help from many fellow students and teachers so that I adapted myself quickly. They made me feel warm, so I’d like to pass on this warm feeling to others.” With this belief, Danny has vigorously participated in public service. She assisted in setting up the International Student Association of Tianjin University and served as first secretary-general of the executive council. The association which aimed to provide foreign students with services on life, study, culture, information and sports is a communicative platform for foreign students to help each other regardless of their race or nationality. During her tenure, the association held various activities and helped students struggling with financial or study difficulties to pull through. In 2016, Danny won the Chinese Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship, and she was also the first winner of the award at Tianjin University.

Danny has a clear plan for her future life. “Now the Chinese government encourages mass entrepreneurship and innovation. It inspires me a lot.” She plans to start her own business after getting her doctor’s degree. “I hope that I can use what I’ve learnt to benefit both my homeland and China.”

By Zhang Yimeng

Edited by Ge Jingwen & Eva Yin & Doris Harrington