Bai Zhenting: Graduated with Pride

Bai Zhenting is one of the many students who are able to graduate from high school and enter university through the One More Year Scholarship Program. This is her letter to her sponsors.

“Hello!

I am Bai Zhenting, a 2023 high school graduate and a beneficiary of the One More Year Scholarship Program in China. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support and assistance, which has brought a ray of light to my high school life. This year, I applied to Guizhou University to major in Business Administration as my first-choice university.

I’d like to share some of my experiences during the college entrance exam. About a month before the exam, I faced a period of intense anxiety. Disappointing results in the second mock exam left me questioning my abilities and the sacrifices made by my family, teachers, and even my sponsors. I compared myself to those who seemed to perform effortlessly. Had all my years of hard work been in vain? I felt vulnerable, sensitive, foolish, and timid compared to others.

Some questions crossed my mind during this time:
Could I also achieve better results by not trying as hard?
Would my mind be sharper as I progress in school?

I reflected on these and remembered my home, the stacks of books in front of me, and the unwavering support of my teachers. That’s when I had a change of mindset: I can’t simply give up just because I got tired and disappointed in one mock exam, especially not when so many people expect me to succeed. With so many people cheering me on, I chose to be brave and resilient, determined to overcome every challenge.

Thankfully, after three years of hard work and persistence, I successfully gained admission to Guizhou University’s Business Administration program.

Now, let me share a bit about my university life. I am a resident student, and the university cafeteria offers delicious and affordable food with a variety of choices. The teachers are excellent and dedicated, and my classmates are passionate about education. However, university is different from high school; learning relies on self-awareness and proactivity. Over the next four years, I aim to complete my coursework diligently, acquire new skills, broaden my horizons, and become a better version of myself. While my ultimate career path remains uncertain, I contemplate graduate school or a career in public service, pursuing my dream of becoming a financial manager.

I am extremely grateful to those who have helped me. Thank you, dear sponsor. You have nourished my life in such a way that inspired and motivated me toward my dreams. Thank you for the push and the support you have given me to soar even higher.”

Thank you to ZURU for sponsoring students in the One More Year Scholarship Program.

Click on the links below to learn how you can help.