My campus story

Name: KHAN, ASMAT ULLAH KHAN

Nationality: Pakistan

University: Southern Medical University

Location: Guangdong

Life provides many opportunities for everyone, but it depends on how they take advantage of those opportunities. These favorable moments come in various forms such as travelling, doing business, personal development, getting the desired job and acquiring knowledge or skills to name a few. One such opportunity knocked on my door in 2018, when I heard that I got admission PhD in Southern Medical University, one of the prestigious universities in China. I was over the moon about the selection at this university and without any delay I availed this opportunity.

During the process of getting a visa into a country whose culture and language was totally different from mine, it distressed me at first. However, my perspective changed upon arrival when my supervisor warmly welcomed me by picking me up by himself from the airport. Also, the friendly behavior of my Chinese lab mates, and my class fellows surprised me and I felt as if all differences of culture and language had never existed. In addition, I was mesmerized to see the higher cultural acceptance among Chinese especially among youth. This made me feel lucky to come to China where I feel at home studying in one of the top universities in medicine.

I personally think I was lucky among many students who got selected by Southern Medical University to pursue their education. Due to my limited exposure to advanced equipment and research tools in the lab, I was afraid to use them during my PhD. In particular, I am grateful to my supervisor Prof Jun Ouyang, who gave me the opportunity to learn and utilize the tools for my research. The trust he placed in me enhanced my confidence and enabled me to explore more possibilities for innovative research in my field. This is the reason I published two review articles and one research article in well-known journals. I also contributed to six research papers published by colleagues in my lab.

Another impressive aspect of southern medical university is that it is a multicultural platform where people from all over the world can benefit from medical education. Interaction with different nationalities allows me to understand and accept different cultures. Besides, I made a lot of friends from various ethnic backgrounds which polished my communication skills and strengthened my international network of friends. The university also organized culture days to promote positive attitudes among different cultures and foster acceptance of different nationalities. The Culture Day event in 2019 was one of the most memorable events in my life, when I observed people gathered to celebrate different nationalities' cultures by installing cultural stalls and selling unique souvenirs.

Not only does Southern Medical University provide an excellent educational opportunity in medicine, but it also organizes events to explore the sights in China. One particular traveling experience that still makes me nostalgic every summer was the tour of Guilin city in Guangxi Province. The picturesque natural scenery in the form of mountains was mesmerizing and those breathtaking views were serene. I along with my friends enjoyed those moments and captured a few on our mobile phones. I still remember the Reed Flute Cave which was illuminated with lights that made it colorful. Nearby Guilin city, I visited Yangshuo which is a small town with fresh air and a lot of hotels and restaurants with beautiful views.

I had never been a foodie until I arrived in China, where I believe my real taste for food developed. Traditionally, it has a unique taste and aroma, and it is full of natural ingredients. Chinese dumplings which are half-moon shaped and filled with various ingredients. I tried various forms of noodles, famous tofu, Roasted sweet potatoes, Fujian cooked fish, fried shrimps, spicy food of Sichuan, and beef hot pot etc. Chinese breakfast is one of my favorite meals, especially shrimp or chicken rice porridge and egg rolls.

I was also among many students in China during COVID-19 when life was halted to put an end to the transmission of virus. I along with many other foreign students, showed solidarity with the Chinese nation. I was happy to be at university because the staff in the international school and university administration took great care of all foreigner students. I am extremely grateful to the staff of the university, especially the school of international, for looking after us during that tough time. Response of the Chinese government made me realize that my choice of coming to study here was the right decision because it is the only country who defeated an invisible particle (virus) with medical sciences and technology.

In conclusion, studying at southern medical universities broadens my horizons in scientific research by using modern tools. I personally believe that getting admission to this university was the right decision of my life. I explored many life experiences which increased my positive attitude towards life and I hope this attitude will be in me as long as I am alive. I would like to thank the administration of this university and my supervisor who believed in me and I wish that this university continues to create opportunities for international students.