Ratha ANG

Student of University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Exchange to Shanghai University, China

I am a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (China Major) Student. This course consists of an In-Country studies component where students spend a year abroad in a University of their country major. For me, the year 2015 marked that exciting journey. In my entire student experience this had to be amongst the most memorable and life-changing year, and having the honour to receive the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Award made it all the more profound.

The short trips within and around China made my experience more colourful and vibrant. Being a travel bug, I had a bucket list of places to visit and things to do, and being in Shanghai made it convenient to tick many of them off. The Scholarship fund was especially instrumental in making this possible. I discovered, each destination I visited were characteristically unique, vividly livened by its own cultural notes. Walk in with an open heart and a willingness to immerse and you shall be embraced, enthralled and captivated simply from being in and amongst the magic.

Shanghai University isn't large or by any means prestigious, however my exchange life there was a steep learning curve. Amongst teachers and fellow international students from all over the world, we were not only able to forge a mutual bond, but for some, developed lifelong friendships. Through surprises, struggles and friendship, I discovered just as much about myself as I did of the world around me.

The learning actually starts from the very day I worked up enough courage to take this leap of faith. I came to realise the importance of pushing personal boundaries, and pleasantly surprising myself each time. If there were one most valuable thing I came away with it would have to be comprehension of the phrase - "do not take anything for granted". That is, the significance of the seeming 'insignificant' small things. From something as simple as sunshine, to the pure comfort of mum's home cooked meals. I feel that uncovering such inner discovery nurtures a positive attitude. Hence, I return more empowered, through a renewed sense of self and a newfound appreciation for life.

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