What’s your education and academic background?

I got a Bachelor of Chinese Language and Literature at Southwest University of Science and Technology (China) from 2014 to 2018, then did my Master of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics at Beijing Language and Culture University (China) from 2018 to 2021 (China). I have been doing linguistics and focusing on the sociolinguistics of the Beijing dialect at Queen's since October 2021. The large language resources in China and research gaps inspired me to further my study of the Beijing dialect as a PhD student.

What attracted you to the role of Community Assistant at The Graduate School?

Working as a Community Assistant since August 2022, I can have more opportunities to communicate with students from different cultures and help me to be more confident. The Graduate School supported me in study and life a lot, and thus I would like to help other students having the same queries as me. In addition, I want to explore the local work style and get more engaged with the community.

How has your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for your role as Community Assistant?

My experiences as a second-year international PhD student helps me know how to deal with some specific concerns about studying at QUB and living in Belfast. I had two-year office assistant experiences as an undergraduate and two-year Assistant Graduate Student experiences as a postgraduate, both of which gave me skills in communication, digital, teamwork, and problem-solving. The one-year intern experience working as the Chinese editor and the Media Operations Manager taught me stress management and time management. The two-year experience of starting a business about customized visual design and media innovation with partners helped me improve my creativity.

What’s the most challenging thing about the role?

When students talk about their unwell mental health due to academic pressure and the cost of living, I need to comfort them and give advice. It is challenging for me because I exactly know I have similar problems as well. But it’s also a great part of my job, because I love helping students.

Can you share some examples of the types of challenges or concerns that students often approach you with, and how you assist them?

Advise students concerning mental health to attend social events (e.g., wellbeing Wednesday) and call Inspire (Tel: 0808 800 0016, 24hr Freephone) to get specific support from a counsellor. Advise students who want to improve their academic writing to attend workshops at Graduate School and INTO courses. Advise students who concern about the cost of living and part-time jobs to register for Qwork.

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?

Always ask for support from the supervisor, School, University, and Graduate School if there are any difficulties.

Are there any unique resources or opportunities available at The Graduate School that students might not be aware of but which you would recommend?

The 1-2-1 appointments about careers, academic skills, and enterprise on MyFuture.

Name one thing you can’t survive a working day without. Why’s it so important?

A high-quality sleep for the previous night. My mind will not be clear, and my work not productive after staying up too late.

Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work?

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they?

Yes, I do. There are too many choices in modern life, which may lead students hard to focus on one area and further relative studies in depth. Technology development may influence students as well. For example, social media and computer games may impact attention, and AI (e.g., ChatGBT) may lead to less critical thinking.

What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out?

The Titanic Museum. Closer to Queen’s, Junction is great spot for a coffee or a bite to eat.

If you could switch roles with another student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why?

I would like to try a day in the pharmacy lab because lots of my friends are working in the pharmacy, but I have no idea what the lab work is like.

What's your favourite book or movie that you think every student should experience?

I always do not have something favourite, but I suppose students might understand the culture more and help to live a better life if watching or reading about the country's history.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Firestarter, knife, metal container. (I only want to bring Bear Grylls if possible.)

Share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues and students.

I thought the small town I grew up in was the centre of the whole world before eleven years old.

If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you visit and why?

Ancient Egypt because I want to know how the Great Pyramids were built.

What are your favourite hobbies or pastimes outside of work (sports, creative hobbies, music)?

Playing table tennis and traveling. My favourite destination is Iceland! Super cold but super enjoyable!