Zhou Keyu, an undergraduate student majoring in human geography and urban and rural planning from the 2023 class at the HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College of Hainan University (HAITC), has achieved the remarkable by being admitted to Peking University's historical geography program.

Zhou expressed gratitude towards the nurturing environment at Hainan University, the support of her parents, and the dedication of her friends, all of which greatly contributed in helping Zhou realize her dream.

Sharing her experiences and reflections, Zhou emphasized the importance of bravery, perseverance, and preparation in the journey toward pursuing higher education.

Before making the decision to pursue postgraduate studies, Zhou highlighted the significance of understanding one's motivations. She recognized that it is essential to contemplate whether the intention is to avoid full-time work, or engage in and nurture advanced academic research. Furthermore, one must consider a future career path and the desired direction for personal development. Zhou feels it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the purpose behind pursuing postgraduate studies.

Zhou also emphasized that embarking on this path requires courageous decision-making and unwavering self-confidence.

She acknowledged the challenges encountered during the learning process, including numerous setbacks and moments of self-doubt. For example, the program she applied for at Peking University had limited reference materials. Consequently, Zhou often felt lost and uncertain. However, with the belief that dedicating sufficient time and effort to learning would yield positive results, Zhou encouraged herself to persist in her studies, regardless of obstacles.

Her extensive preparation for the preliminary test was crucial. Despite experiencing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the days leading up to the test, Zhou felt confident that her ten-plus months of preparation were sufficient. She encountered unfamiliar questions during the examination but gave her utmost to tackle them. “Accumulating ample knowledge before a test is the foundation of confidence, and it is essential to have faith in oneself,” Zhou said.

The final stage of the process, the interview, proved to be the most nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing for Zhou. Given that the examination content for the program she applied for was not publicly available, the final test required showcasing on-the-spot proficiency in specialized courses, including English oral skills, as well as demonstrating personal qualities. Zhou emphasized the importance of self-assurance by logically addressing the questions posed by the interview panel. By way of advice, she recommended conducting mock interviews for anyone in preparation for this critical stage.

Zhou concluded by advising aspiring students not to lose sight of their initial motivations, even if they do not currently have a clear goal. Pursuing postgraduate studies is often one of the most significant endeavors in one's life. Comparable to a marathon rather than a sprint, it requires unwavering determination to achieve the desired outcome.

Zhou reminded individuals that success often demands great personal effort and the willingness to seize opportunities. When one contemplates giving up, it is crucial to remember the reasons for embarking on this journey in the first place, as well as the positive impact it can have. She encouraged her peers to make choices they will not regret.