My name is He ZhengShen…
I was born in Wenzhou and grew up in Wuhan.
Wuhan is a large central pivotal city located on the Yangtze River, which connects the east and west of China. Its main industries are industry and agriculture.
I think you may have heard about this city because of the pandemic (COVID-19). It is due to Wuhan’s role as a Chinese super-hub city that the central government takes epidemic surveillance importantly and was able to contain the outbreak in Wuhan when it was beginning (although the local government did not handle it very well).
It is also because of Wuhan’s hub function that my father went to Wuhan to earn a living when he was very young. In addition to this, thanks to Wuhan’s rapid urbanization and industrial expansion, my father had the opportunity to start his business.
Later, when I was about four years old, my mother and I moved from Wenzhou to Wuhan to live with my father. But my younger brother is almost a native of Wuhan.
Because of my father’s job, I grew up with workers and witnessed the prosperity and sacrifices brought by urbanization. I gained a little understanding of history and politics during my schooling years and began to develop an interest in social issues.
Naturally, I prefer art forms that express people’s emotions such as Rock music, Punk, Progressive rock, etc. Moreover, I am also addicted to cyberpunk movies and animations that reflect future social issues.
It is a banned song named乌云典当记 by my favorite band 万能青年旅店
Actually, I don’t really want to recall the past two years…
I didn’t plan to go abroad for my undergraduate degree when I just finished my college entrance exams (GaoKao). I planned to study at Zhejiang University at first and go abroad for further study after my undergraduate degree.
I have to admit that I had a typical high school student attitude of most who had just taken the GaoKao. This thought that I can triumph over others and difficulties through personal struggle now seem to be very self-righteous and social Darwinian stereotypes. I realized this mistake after one semester at the university which made me feel depressed and started planning to transfer abroad although it didn’t go very smoothly because of the pandemic.
I think that Chinese higher education gives students too many unrealistic illusions and expectations for their life except for a good foundation in mathematics and science so that there is no way back when this bubble is burst.
As for why I chose OSU, the main reason is the gym.
Chinese people, especially those who have gone through the GaoKao, have a very strong desire for super reputable schools. But after experiencing some kinds of involution and failure, I decided to be reconciled with myself. I think at least universities that own good basic facilities are the ones that care more about their students.
About Major…
One of my dreams is that human society could eliminate the gap between rich and poor while maintaining productivity progress (Yes, it is just a dream). Both China and the United States have sacrificed many people beneath the magnificent skylines during their development. I think economists and mathematicians could find a theoretical model that reduces the gap between rich and poor.
Based on my interest, naivety, and the necessity to earn a living, I plan to study statistics and computer science.
Hi Zhengshen! After reading your profile, I think you’re a thoughtful people. You have introduce every detail on how your family “raise up” and the reason you care about the social issues, which is a great thing. I also love the way people express their emotions through art forms, no matter in music or painting.
As an international high school students, I did not experience the GaoKao, which I think it was not a pity thing for lack of it. Because every individual have different ways to achieve what they want. But it was not bad to have this experience. About your dream, I have that thoughts before too, it needs time and people’s effort to do it. Hope in the future, you can make a change on it.
Hi Zhengshen! I am a transfer student too according to your personal profile. I understanding your feeling about transferring, which is a tough decision for us. I understand that you have some great pursuits, and I hope that you can get more training during your college years and gradually realize your dreams. Finger crossed!
Hi Zhengshen, nice to meet you! After reading your article, I realize that we have similar experiences. I used to study in a good high school in my province, but because of the rigid rules and great pressure, I chose to go abroad in college and did not experience the College entrance examination. I think people who experienced the College entrance examination are brave and tough, and Zhejiang University has a very high reputation in China! So just believe in yourself! Studying abroad enables us to have more choices for future and can broaden our horizons. Hope we can become better and more confident in campus.
In the end, your wish of eliminating the difference between the rich and the poor is wonderful. Please keep having this thought and just fight for it.