My name is Osmanzhanová Malika, and I am from Kazakhstan. I am currently a master's student at Xinjiang Normal University, where I am majoring in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TSCOL).

Photo shows Osmanzanova Malikam in China.

When I was a child, I used to watch Jackie Chan's Chinese movies with my brother and gradually fell in love with the country. Since then, learning Chinese, understanding Chinese culture, and becoming a Sinologist have become the seeds of my dream that have gradually sprouted in my heart.

On October 20, 2017, I came to Xinjiang for the first time to study Chinese in the preparatory class of Xinjiang Normal University. At first, studying abroad was not smooth due to less favorable family conditions, and I even considered giving up and returning to China, ending the study abroad journey. But recalling my initial dream filled me with confidence that I could achieve it. Learning Chinese pinyin was challenging for me. Hence, I studied daily until the early hours, repeatedly reading pinyin and writing Chinese characters, which gradually improved my language skills. I will never forget my teacher’s inspiring words: “If you have an ideal, you have to run towards it, and the road to success is not simple. To become the person you aspire to be, you must not fear difficulties, let alone avoid them.” I am deeply grateful to my Chinese teachers. Their encouragement during those tough times was invaluable, and with their support, I chose to persevere.

As the saying goes, bitterness comes at a good time. During my study abroad, I was awarded the 'Excellence Award' for hard pen calligraphy and earned titles such as 'Outstanding International Student Class Cadre' and 'Full Time Star', successfully passing the HSK Level 4 exam. In 2018, I was honored to receive the Chinese Government Scholarship. In 2020, I received the title 'Outstanding International Student in China' from the Chinese Government. In 2022, I was fortunate to receive the International Chinese Teacher Scholarship. In 2023, I participated in the Chinese and Foreign Students' Classical Chinese Literature Recitation Competition held by Xinjiang universities, and won the first prize in the international student group.

Now, I am deeply in love with China. I believe that one day I can become a bridge of friendship between China and Kazakhstan and a cultural envoy of the two countries. This story of my studying in Xinjiang, I think, is like a high-pitched march, which will inspire unremitting efforts and compose my youth with struggle!

Osmanzanova Malikam is now studying Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages for her master degree at Xinjiang Normal University.

Planner: Jie Wenjin

Reviewers: Hou Weili and Cheng Li