Wudaokou Watch: "I Want to Speak Seven Languages"
In this Wudaokou Watch column, we'll profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital.
What is your name and where do you come from?
My name is Jasmine Nargisa. I am from Tajikistan. I like traveling, taking photos of nature, and learning about different cultures. I have been to several European countries like Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain etc. I understand that life is not meant to be lived in one place. Therefore, I try to travel as much as I can.
Why did you come to Beijing?
The love of learning languages brought me to Beijing in August 2018. Before coming to China, I studied Chinese at the Confucius Institute and we learned from a Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU)’s textbook. At that time, I set myself the goal to continue studying in Beijing, at BLCU. Moreover, I want to become a person who can speak seven languages.
How is life different from your home country?
It's not so different. However, in terms of technology, China has a lot that we don’t have in my country. For example: the subway, WeChat payment, and Taobao. I've found that these things are very convenient and useful.
What are the biggest challenges for you here?
Participating in competitions. I don't always get first place but I just keep going and never give up, and I am persistent in achieving my goals. I follow the wise Confucius saying: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
What are your three favorite hangouts here?
Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing, and Tsinghua University. I often go to networking events and conferences organized by Global Shapers, BeHive, and Start-up Grind University UIBE because I enjoy being among likeminded people who have similar passions and a desire to enact change.
What do you do when you are feeling homesick?
I don’t feel homesick because I have already been far away from home and studied abroad. Moreover, there are a lot of things to do and learn here. I take part in different kinds of activities such as Chinese knots and Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy, face painting etc.
What do you love most about Beijing?
There are a lot of opportunities to attend international scientific forums, the Beijing International Cultural-Creative industry EXPO, panel discussions, educational training, amazing workshops, and events to share ideas and experiences.
What is your most memorable experience in Beijing?
When I participated in the Hanwen Cup English Speech Contest. When for the first time here in China I gave a speech standing on the stage in front of a large audience. From that, I received my first Chinese 证书 zhèngshū – honor certificate.
How has life in Beijing impacted you?
Beijing has made me more active and hardworking. Most importantly, it has taught me that to make a difference in someone’s life, I don’t have to be perfect, rich, or beautiful. I just need to have the spirit of humanity and be caring.
What inspires you and what are your future plans?
What inspires me is seeing the smile on the face of the people whom I make happy. I constantly try to improve the quality of life of my community by doing volunteer work. I want to help people and bring something new to this world which will benefit people’s lives. Being a volunteer in the Red Crescent Charity Organization has increased my motivation to help orphans. For instance, once while gathering money for a boy who was suffering from heart disease, our team was able to raise more funds than any other group. I was extremely happy that we helped the sick boy get back to health. My ambition is to be able to eventually contribute to society by working in the United Nations.
READ: "I am from the land of tequila, tacos, and chocolate" – can you guess where?
Are you a student in Beijing? Let us profile you and your unique experiences here. Drop us a line at editor@thebeijinger.com and we’ll get back to you to schedule an interview.
Photos courtesy of Jasmine Nargisa
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