From Research to Road Trips

One of my biggest academic interests is in the future of our cities - especially Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and the fascinating world of urban villages in China. I’ve started doing research on these topics, using them in my English classes to improve my academic language skills. Eventually, I hope to publish my research - a key step toward gaining admission into a top Master’s program.

English has been a major focus for me. I’ve enrolled in English courses, practiced daily using vocabulary apps, and tuned into podcasts and TED Talks to improve my listening skills. I've even started more conversations with CDIC teachers and joined activities to get as much speaking practice as I can. My province has invested a lot in English education, and I want to make the most of that foundation - especially as I plan to take English exams in the near future.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve been exploring life outside Xi’an. I’ve visited new places and I’m planning to climb some of the beautiful mountains nearby. During the summer, I’ll head back to my hometown in Guangdong Province, where I’ll reconnect with my family, drive 100 kilometers to explore, and maybe even intern at a local company. I can’t wait to see my friends again, share meals, and enjoy table and board games together.

One challenge I’m working on is preparing for a group video presentation, which we need to create from scratch - no online materials allowed! It’s a bit scary, but also an amazing opportunity to grow my skills.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far and what I’d recommend to anyone:

• Manage your time wisely – Start assignments early and review your class notes regularly.
• Take English seriously – It gets tougher at each stage, so build your vocabulary and keep practicing.
• Find good teammates – For group work, having reliable and motivated partners makes all the difference.