Level 2, 18 Wally's Walk
Macquarie University NSW 2109
All journeys begin with a single step
If you google Liancheng County in southern China, where MQ international scholarship student Xin Yang is from, you’ll find images of a verdant, mountainous region. Two of the country’s main rivers converge here, making way for lush agricultural land peppered with ancient temples and villages that contrast with the modern cities and high-rises that reach into the sky. It’s a world away from the MQ campus, but with a gentle determination to make his family proud, Xin is making the most of this very special opportunity to study in Australia ...
My dream of studying abroad has come true
Speaking with Xin from his accommodation on campus, he uses a translation app to get across the nuances of his experiences and broaden his vocabulary. Keen to improve his English, it highlights one of the obvious challenges for an international student but also typifies the way Xin diligently approaches his studies, underscoring his genuine appreciation for this chance to advance his life and that of his family in rural China.
Xin, who also uses the name Ritchie in Australia, explains: ‘Even when I was at the airport, leaving home in China, I couldn’t believe I was going to study abroad. It was my dream, but I did not expect it to come true – it was a surreal experience and a very precious trip; this is my first time overseas.’
A promising robotics student in high school, Xin came to the attention of a generous benefactor, when in 2018, Xin’s team came second in a Robotic Competition. Xin remembers, ‘The benefactor presented the award to us personally, and I got the opportunity to speak on behalf of the team members. Maybe it was fate that I was noticed at that time.’
Whether it was luck or something else converging with his ability and ambition, as a result of the competition and a generous donor, Xin received a scholarship to Macquarie University. Designed to support a regional Chinese student who couldn’t otherwise access an international education due to financial barriers, the scholarship was a rare prize indeed – Xin is the first student ever to receive one at his high school in Pengkou, a small rural town of about 30,000 people (about the size of Nelson Bay in New South Wales).
His parents are farmers, and his father needs to look after Xin’s grandparents, so his mother – who, with clear admiration, he describes as a very strong woman – works to support the family in a high-risk job in the construction of skyscrapers. As Xin explains, ‘I come from a poor family in China, so without the scholarship, it would have been difficult for me to fulfil my dream of studying overseas; it has changed my destiny.’
Undertaking a Diploma of Information Technology ahead of a Bachelor of Software Engineering at MQ, Xin says, ‘I am very lucky to have this scholarship, and am very grateful to my benefactor for giving me this opportunity so I can continue to work hard for my dreams. Only by studying hard at Macquarie can I not disappoint him and, of course, I do not want to disappoint myself or my family.’
For Xin, the youngest of four siblings and the only boy, doing well and achieving a secure job also means he can eventually support his parents. It’s a duty steeped in culture and tradition and laden with responsibility, yes, but one that is a privilege, not a burden. It is a familial tie bound by an abundance of love between parents and child; one Xin still draws on even from a great distance.
‘My family are so happy for me to be able to study overseas,’ says Xin, smiling broadly. Although he admits he was both nervous and excited when he arrived at the beginning of the year, he is enjoying life at Macquarie. Being away from home, finding his way and navigating his studies has meant he has had to grow up quickly in this short time, though.
‘I’ve had to face many different things and study on my own. I’ve learned more about myself and my ability to be an independent thinker, and have improved my writing and exercised my critical thinking ability,’ he says with that characteristic thoughtfulness and conscientiousness.
Xin is also enjoying collaborating with people from different countries and backgrounds on campus. And you can see him light up as he explains, ‘There are people from all walks of life; we work in groups to complete problems in class and can look at problems from many different aspects, which makes it interesting and allows us to develop. We also chat, which makes me very happy. Many students have become good friends, and the teachers have been good to me too.’
He may only be at the start of his educational journey at MQ, but as the Chinese proverb says, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – and there’s no doubt Xin is grateful for his generous scholarship, which has set him on this new path. ‘I am very lucky to get this opportunity to have a fresh start in life,’ he says with genuine reverence.
‘I hope to move forward in my future study,’ he continues, ‘make more friends, learn more, and graduate successfully. My dream of studying abroad has been achieved – now I hope to become a better version of myself; someone my parents will be proud of.’