Xin Xiang, Shawn (Oriel, 2007 - )

My name is Xin Xiang. Selected as the tenth Paterson Scholar in year 2007, I am also a graduate from CUPL. But being different from all the previous scholars, I earned my first degree in International Business Affairs, rather than Law, which makes me the first non law majored scholar.

The great shift from business to law, combining with the giant leap from China to U.K., will never be a painless transfer. Strange surrounding, divergent cultural background, accompanied by constantly stringent requirements for academic performance, which may always make one perplexed and oppressive when newly arrived. Truly, it is a place full of challenges and never allows one stopping for laziness. Rather than random fame chasers, whom Oxford aims to cultivate are those who dare to make real contributions for all peoples through applying their knowledge and wisdom. Hence, you need to strive to the maximum, to face up great pressures rationally, to cooperate with others actively,
to make your choices wisely, and also to make yourself responsible and integrated. Though appearing to be highly demanding, it is just this painstaking process that makes one different, from boy to man. A degree from Oxford can guarantee nothing, since we can never rely on a sheet of paper forever. What pave the road to success, I believe, are the merits and virtues that you learn from those talents on a daily basis, which may gradually change your way of life and benefit all your days in the future. It is really the days here, which once elapsed and never regained,one should cherish most.

Frankly, I am not a genius, or even a person with superior intelligence. Ordinary as my peers, I never expected such a chance to go overseas until the generosity from The David and Jayne Paterson Educational Trust helped change my path of life. Indeed, I am the direct beneficiary from the Trust's helping hands, but as what I perceive the meaning implied in its incessant efforts, are not just personal helps us scholars towards a promising future. In essence, it is a foresight to promote educational exchange within the scope of world. Though it is still in its first steps and the way seems long ahead, its initial aim, which is a communal understanding between east and west, will destine to succeed. In fact, this is a wide ambition that demands our collective efforts, to which I will contribute my earnest efforts.

December 2007