Chinese Heart

The same as the world's 20 percent people, I was born in a country of great legend and paradox: This country has a long history beyond one could imagine, while such a stretched period of time has not necessarily resulted in a state of prosperity. Chinese culture is unique and attractive, while China began to abandon her pride and became a student to learn advanced science, technology and social institution ever since the beginning of her modern history. At present, China's economy has soared up within no more than 30 years time, while there is still a long way to go in terms of social fairness, democratic development and the rule-of-law establishment.

I love my motherland. This patriotic emotion was deeply planted in my heart when I had the first history lecture in my primary school, strengthened when I attended The Third National Young Pioneers' Congress in the People's Great Hall in 1995, and strongly confirmed at the 2001 Academic Year's Commencement Ceremony of China University of Political Science and Law. Law is such a major that could safeguard social fairness, equality and justice, which is what China now urgently requires and the field that I am determined to dedicate in.

Dream of World

When I was very young I used to plan how my future should be like. I listed in my diary some life goals I should have achieved by the age of 20, among which the first is: Begin to travel around the world and master at least five languages. Childish it might seems, but I have always been working, consciously or unconsciously, towards this target. In 1994 I participated in a summer camp held in North Korea, which marked my first overseas trip. In 2004 I went to City University of Hong Kong as an exchange student for one semester, where I witnessed the charm of the East Pearl. By now, I could say that I have mastered five languages, if I was allowed to put the conception of "language" much broader. These five are: Mandarin, English, Cantonese, music and smile. The last two might seem quite unpersuasive and I admit that this is merely a plausible explanation to my awkward promise in childhood, but I also remember someone said that music and smile have no boundary and are the common language of the world. Piano is my old faithful friend for many years, though I usually do not have enough time to practice. Optimistic and easy-going I look to lots of people; it is this positive character that accompanies me on enjoying life, overcoming difficulties and welcoming rainbows.

I believe, along with the best legal training, what an Oxford education can provide is a micro-world where, with the five languages that I have mastered, I can absolutely obtain broader horizon and better understanding of this world, and of course, more real foreign languages.

A Family

If I could do a research on the essays of all Paterson scholars posted on this website, perhaps the most frequent word appeared is the word thanks. No matter how well developed we are as individuals; we probably could never have touched so high without the strong supporting hand of the Trust. Nothing in the world is better than you are aware that you are loved and concerned about, which is what I can feel right now, but is much more than what I am able to express. I am here willing to show my sincere appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, all working staff of the Trust, as well as several former scholars who have given me helpful guidance and valuable instructions. I will make full use of the following three years and try to achieve excellence, hoping to add glory to our "family name": Paterson.

October 2005