Returning to familiar places, people
COVER STORY
Chinese embassy in Port Moresby arrangedfor former Shenyang Aerospace University student to revisit after three years
By DIANDRA PAINE
FIRSTLY, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea and the university I once attended – Shenyang Aerospace University (International Education College) for this wonderful opportunity to revisit a place I called home for four years.
A place where I fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer. A place I hold dear to my heart. I first entered China (Beijing) in September of 2016 at the age of 18 when I was accepted to do a Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering (Aircraft Manufacturing) at Shenyang Aerospace University (under Education Pacific Agency), located in the Northeastern part of China, in Liaoning Province.
Being the first and only Papua New Guinean female to take this course at that time, I had no idea these four years (2016-2020) would have a huge impact on my life and decisions. I made friends with individuals from different parts of the world who ended up becoming family to me, especially during lockdown when Covid-19 hit the world by storm.
I learned so much from the Chinese people and their way of life which I have taken on with me. I’ve made loving memories that would last a lifetime no matter where life takes me and most importantly, I’ve grown to respect and admire the Chinese culture and traditions.
My destination for this Revisit Programme was Shenyang Aerospace University, my home for four years. It began on Oct 31, 2023 which was when I departed Papua New Guinea for China via Manila. It was an amazing experience and a worthwhile and successful trip which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Arrival in Shenyang
I arrived in Shenyang on Nov 1 at around 1pm CST. Shenyang Aerospace University had organised for a driver to pick me up at the Shenyang International Airport once I arrived (as they always do for new students arriving). It was also welcoming and lovely to have a senior student who mentored me during my studies at SAU accompany the driver to the airport – seeing a familiar face after three years made me feel at home immediately.
My luggage was carried through to the car and we were on our way to the campus. The ride lasted for almost an hour and the entire ride was nostalgic as memories emerged of my past days there. When we arrived, I was greeted by the dean of the International Education College, Pearl Laoshi whom I had the pleasure of knowing when I was a student at SAU. Her warm greeting, smile and hug made me feel at home. She was so happy to have me back on campus, even if it was for a short period of time.
She offered help whenever I needed it and made sure my entire stay was enjoyable and fun, which it was. Charles Laoshi (deputy dean) and Jeremiah Laoshi (current PhD student in aeronautics/teacher) were also very helpful and made sure my stay at SAU ran smoothly.
Classes and activities at SAU
Once a dormitory room was given to me, I unpacked, rested and then decided to head out to the shops with a friend to purchase a sim card for convenient communication during my two weeks stay.
The next day, my visit programme was given so I was able to attend certain classes for the duration of my stay. These classes included comprehensive Chinese, Chinese listening, Chinese calligraphy and painting, spoken Chinese, Chinese Tea Culture Show, and Chinese poetry. All classes were taught by SAU under their Chinese language major. This was a good time to practice my Chinese as well as interact with fellow foreign students who were part of these classes.
Historical site visit
Shenyang is famous for its historic sites, and one particular historic site I visited during my stay in Shenyang was Beiling Park. Located in the north of Shenyang City and six stops away from SAU on the subway, Beiling Park was originally a royal mausoleum.
The Zhaoling Tomb which is a world cultural heritage site is also situated in the park. This was an amazing opportunity to learn more about Chinese history through the preservation of such sites.
Though it has been expanded and improved several times, the structure, feeling and environment gave off ancient China – something I always wanted to experience as I grew up watching so many Chinese KungFu Movies. There are more than 2,000 ancient pines as old as nearly 400 years, making the area one of the major existing ancient pine populations in China.
The most interesting part of this visit for me would be visiting the Treasure City/Underground Palace, due to the fact that there were hidden treasures thought to be buried with the deceased. Also, being able to witness beautiful native Chinese women sway to the beat of their music in bright, gorgeous traditional dresses just outside the Zhaoling Tomb entrance.
Coming from a culturally diverse nation myself, I deeply admired their love and enthusiasm for something as simple as showcasing their culture through rhythm and dance. My two Papua New Guinean friends who accompanied me to the park and I were also invited for a little dance with the kind native women. We enjoyed dancing away.
Addressing freshmen
It was such an honour and a privilege as well to be invited by my former lecturers to give a speech to the freshmen about my four-year Journey at SAU, my current work life, my future aspirations and offer some advice. Seeing all these fresh international faces from different parts of the world begin their studies at SAU reminded me of when I first entered China at just 18 years of age to pursue my dream.
Being the first and only Papua New Guinean girl in my class at that time, I had to get used to a lot of things and find my way around. However, choosing SAU in China to pursue an aeronautical engineering degree has to be one of my best decisions.
Studying is China has taught me a lot, but most importantly I’ve learned the importance of hard work from the Chinese people. They exemplify hard work. This is something I’ve taken on with me after I graduated and left China in August of 2020. Things don’t just come easily; you have to work hard for everything. But, the benefits of hard work are so rewarding and without regrets.
You can never go wrong when you put in hard work to achieve what you really want, whether in your academics, business or career. Learn to work hard and you will experience the fruits of your labor in due time.
Catching up with friends before leaving
I couldn’t leave Shenyang without catching up with old friends from university.
Studying and living so far from home isn’t easy at times, however, the teachers help to make it homely and so do good friends who turn into family. I’ve met people from different walks of life and different ethnicities during my stay in China, whether it was at university, sporting events, cultural shows, modelling events, travelling around China or just randomly meeting them, we all had one thing in common and that was we had left our home countries and families to experience life in China through education or work. Such friendships have turned into a lifelong bond. Thank you Shenyang for the lovely memories and friendships I’ve created.
On Nov 13, 2023, I departed Shenyang for Port Moresby via Manila. Again, I remain grateful to SAU for making sure I enjoyed my stay. It was so sad to leave a place I call home.
A place that has given me so much memories, a place that has played a huge part in my educational journey. A place that has changed my mindset and attitude for the better. A place where I made wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.
Though I left after a short while, Shenyang will always be home to me and I look forward to visiting again in the future. I would also like to thank everyone who made this trip possible and enjoyable, and I would definitely encourage more young, aspiring Papua New Guineans to study in China and Shenyang Aerospace University.
You won’t regret the experience!
- Diandra Paine worked for Applus Pacific in their Port Moresby office form some time but resigned a few weeks ago. She has joined Applus Pacific in Perth, Western Australia.