Li Peizhe, a graduate student from the 2023 class of the HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College of Hainan University (HAITC), has been recognized as the Student of the Year. Majoring in hotel management, Li has dedicated himself to the protection of the national park cultural heritage and the improvement of tourists' diverse sensory experiences. 

His outstanding achievements include co-authoring 10 academic papers published in SSCI and SCI journals, receiving national scholarships, and winning awards for excellent papers and posters at both domestic and international academic conferences. He has been admitted to the master's program at the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University with a full scholarship. 

Over the past four years of his college life, Li made great efforts in his academic pursuits. He fully immersed himself in formal education and self-study courses to deepen understanding of his chosen field. Additionally, he actively participated in research projects focusing on natural resources and environmental psychology.

The decision to study abroad was carefully considered by Li. He is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses and has determined to break through his limitations. Furthermore, Li has aspired to advance his research in his chosen field, with a focus on quantifying and modeling the impact of climate change on coastal communities and scenario predictions.

Li’s research interests concentrate on such areas as climate change studies, the protection of the national park cultural heritage, and research on tourists' stress-coping mechanisms and emotion regulation. His passion for these research topics has developed through a continuous accumulation of knowledge and experience in the field.

At every stage of research, obstacles lie ahead, often exceeding expectations due to their unpredictable nature, Li said. Though the specific challenges may vary, he believes that overcoming them always brings a sense of satisfaction through positive feedback. It is during this process that a strong mental core is nurtured. The most memorable moments are not solely the days of success but the moments when one surpasses sorrow and despair, fueled by a strong desire to face challenges and steadily move toward goals, Li added.

Considering graduate studies, Li emphasized the importance of prioritizing alignment between potential advisors and current research interests. Other factors such as industry connections, project structure, and work-life balance should also be taken into account. 

Typically, certain mandatory exams, such as the GRE and TOEFL, are required for applications, although some master's programs have waived the GRE requirement. Li personally believes that taking the GRE exam is beneficial as it significantly improves logical reasoning skills, which are crucial for success in graduate studies. Active participation, practical experience, and maintaining a positive mindset are also key elements during the application process.

Li encouraged fellow students to differentiate between pursuing a job solely for social status or material benefits and seeking a position driven by motivation and passion. The latter can help individuals to achieve greater heights. He hopes that HAITCers can find a field they genuinely love and have an endless source of motivation to reach future success.