Hi there! My name is Diana Stromvig and I’m from Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. I am an International Economics and Trade graduate student. I was easily one of the most active and academically driven ZUSTers as I hold title of former President of the International Students Union 2020/2021, former Secretary of the ISU 2019/2020 as well as being a 3-time excellent scholarship award holder. These past 4 years at ZUST have taught me nothing more than to be resilient, hardworking and better yet, adventurous. I’m definitely a proud ZUSTer!

       I settled in very quickly during my first year, the friendly atmosphere at ZUST allowed me to do so. I learnt that ‘team work makes the dream work’ during my second year at ZUST when I was elected ISU Secretary. The same applies to when I was ISU President in third year. This was no simple task, but it taught me how to interact with different personalities, sharpen time management skills and lastly, it taught me that work doesn’t always have to be grim and serious. We found joy in serving students so everything we did as a team was fun.

       Personally, I have had to overcome challenges I’d never imagined as president while in the crux of COVD-19, but I had a wonderful, vibrant, supportive and active team and we pulled it off exceptionally well. I appreciate that with ZUST I have evolved, grown and matured in ways unbelievable that continue to prepare me for the future.

      Being at ZUST pushed me towards my hobbies. My very first hobby is to travel the world, part of the reason I came to study in China is because of the burning passion I have for experiencing new worlds, cultures and languages. With my Chinese level I’ve been able to make Chinese friends, join 2 poetry recitation competitions, where I have landed 3rd place; write HSK exams and lastly, travelled different parts of China, with no fear of getting lost.

       The first clubs I joined were dance club and debate club. My two left feet quickly showed me that debate club was my stronger suit. I’ve been a debate member for first year. I have always admired actresses and actors on TV. I was given an opportunity to experience a tiny bit of acting. I enjoyed every second of it. I was honored to meet two different Drama clubs at ZUST which I found a second family in. After multiple acting skits on stage I managed to be part of a ZUST anti-drug video, Drama Club anti-drug Chinese act, ZUST Multimedia department anti-drug video (No to Drugs, Yes to Life). I implore ZUSTers to try out new clubs, make it a habit to snap out of your comfort zone every now and then, you’ll be amazed how many new friends you will make and what skills you have waiting to be discovered.

      I had hobbies well before ZUST such as Taekwondo and modeling however, because I’m intrigued by most Chinese festivals, I had discovered a new favorite water activity. so, it was an honor to be part of ZUST’s official Dragon Boat team in 2018. I implore anyone who hasn’t found his/her passion yet to go all out.

       Aside from all the newly developed talents, I’m an economist by profession. I’m a firm believer that university days are for fun and for exploring new adventures but I’ve never let that get in the way of my studies. I pride myself of being able to manage my time well. I urge many university students to learn to do the same. Let play time be play time and work time be work time. With this drive and mentality, I have managed to achieve a series of impressive GPAs landing me full tuition scholarships during year 2, 3 & 4.

      University years are meant for us to find ourselves, so have fun but don’t neglect your priorities. My advice to new students is you can do anything you set your mind to. Make use of ZUST resources; teachers, senior students, ISU activities for relaxation and many more. To existing and potential graduates; the higher you go, the tougher it gets. May you all find the strength necessary to always give your ultimate best.

      I appreciate all my friends, you made my uni-days worthwhile!