Year 9 from Jiangxi to a Dentist dream at University of Queensland
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Chen Yanru (Cecilia) is from Jiangxi Province, China. In July 2018, she enrolled in the JPIC High School Preparation Course (Level 3). Cecilia successfully completed HSPC in April 2019 and transitioned to Year 10 mainstream classes. She achieved several outstanding academic awards throughout her three years of study at JPC. After three and a half years of unremitting efforts, Cecilia achieved an ATAR of 98.15 in last year's Queensland College Entrance Examination and is now studying a Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) at the University of Queensland. |
How has the experience of studying in JPIC language classes helped you in your study abroad career?
I am very fortunate to have enrolled in the High School Preparation Course at John Paul International College, because it has laid a solid foundation for my English proficiency and prepared me for High School and current University studies.
You spent the most important two years of High School during the epidemic. What kind of help has the school provided you that impressed you?
During the epidemic, the school has arranged a lot of extra study tutoring and future career planning guidance for our international students. Through the interview with the school's Career Counsellor, I clearly understood the strengths and weaknesses of my studies, determined the elective courses that were most beneficial to my ATAR score, and clarified my future career direction. In addition, the teachers used their extra-curricular time to provide me with additional tutoring sessions.
Can you describe your homestay experience during your three years at the College?
I still remember when I moved into a host family with an uneasy mood. After all, it was the first time I left my parents and moved into a brand new environment. Due to the meticulous care provided by the host family in my life and study, I quickly adapted to the overseas living pattern and integrated into my Australian home. Although I have now graduated from JPC, I continue to live in their house. I think our relationship is now not just a host family and student relationship, but more like a friend. I believe that even if I move from here in the future, we will continue to be very close.
What is your future career direction/plan?
I really want to be a great dentist. I still remember that when I was at JPC, the school would regularly invite professionals from different fields in the society to give us lectures. I was deeply influenced by the experience of one of the dentists, which led me to aspire to become a professional dentist and serve more people. In my future planning, the school did give me a lot of help and advice. Although my university courses have only just started, I am already looking for a job as a Dental Assistant, and I hope that a part-time job will allow me to better apply my theoretical knowledge to practice.
Your most memorable experience at our school?
In the past three years, I sincerely thank my teachers and classmates for their advice and help. I still remember that Mayfair was the happiest day of my grade 12, because on this day I forgot all the troubles of study and had a happy day with my friends. I still remember how bright the fireworks were in the school that night.
If you were asked to give some advice to yourself three years ago, what would you say?
- Be brave in expressing yourself and keep an open mind to learn during your Secondary School studies.
- At the same time, you should have the courage to meet students from different countries and regions, so that you can better step out of your comfort zone.
- Don't be afraid to take Biology as an elective, as it will lay a solid foundation for your university majors.
What are the differences between when you first came to JPIC and when you start the first semester of university?
Because I was quite young when I came to JPIC, I was very nervous in a brand-new environment. JPIC cohort were friendly and helpful, and JPIC teachers were patient and caring towards students. Studying abroad at JPC for the past 3.5 years has improved my self-confidence, so that I can now meet many students from different countries and regions at UQ. Friendships in Middle School were an integral part of my continued growth and progress.
