Zehao Li

Where is your home country?

China

What languages do you speak?

Mandarin and English

Fun fact

I joked about being a teacher when I was young, and now I am doing whatever I can to make it come true.

What do you study?

Bachelor of Secondary Education (Mathematics)/ Bachelor of Science

Where do you study?

The University of Sydney

Tell us about your experience studying in NSW.

Studying and living in NSW has been the most important and joyful chapter of my life so far. That the people I have met and the challenges I have overcame made me who I am. Though this journey is long and arduous, it is also rewarding; it allows me to recognize what kind of person I want to be in the future. I can't express how grateful I am for all the opportunities I have come across while studying in NSW. I am confident to become a better person with all those in mind and contribute more to the broader community.

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While studying in NSW, I realized the importance of 'paying back' to our community.

What has been your favourite experience in NSW?

My favourite experience in NSW is study, which is also the primary reason I chose to come to Sydney.

During my time in high school and university, I meet many incredible teachers and classmates who have the same goal and ambition of making this world a better place to live in. It was an absolute pleasure to study in such an environment and work together with those people; I felt grateful for all those opportunities I have got and the people I have met.

As a future educator, I can see how the education in NSW benefits the students, that they can achieve to the best of their abilities. Students are exposed to more valuable opportunities in which they are connected to the broaden community; and have the ability to make a difference in this world.
With all those in mind, studying in NSW has been the best part of my life spent in Sydney.

What advice do you have for other international students?

1. Listen to the voice in your mind. This allows you to find what's your inherent interest, what profession you want to do in the future, as well as what kind of person you want to become in the future. I always see this self-awareness as the prerequisites of succeeding in no matter studying or living.

2. Be open-minded. Once you realize that you are studying in a different culture, you have to be open-minded. You have to bear other voices that are different from your own culture. Don't be afraid to compare, contrast and accept a different point of view. Critical thinking makes you a better person.

3. Don't panic! The study is not easy that it used to make me panic all the time. But after all those years of studying, I felt panic is the last thing you need to do. Try to embrace all opportunities and challenges, be courageous, be brave, and most importantly, be optimistic.

4. Sit back and chill. No one in this world can function 24/7; everyone needs to have rest. So, it is essential for you to find a way to relax and get away from study for some time. This allows you to come back with a fresh start.

What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?

Studying in NSW allows me to broaden my horizon. That I was exposed to many different voices, but I can always contrast, compare and come up with my own opinions. This is a valuable opportunity as I established a self-determined recognition without anyone else's influences. This allows me to tell the rights from wrong and has the confidence in contributing to our society and the broader community in the right way.

While studying in NSW, I realized the importance of 'paying back' to our community. There's an old Chinese saying, 'Maintain your battling spirit at times of hardship, spread your words when success strolls.' The teachers in my high school made me realize how should I practice that regularly. My high school offered us opportunities like 'the world's greatest shave', I was really impressed; from that on, I knew that we have to take care of people's vulnerability, especially when they are in tough times.

Zehao Li

Zehao Li 1