CHEN JIAN, MATTHEW (ORIEL COLLEGE, 2002 - 2005)
My name is Jian Chen (Matthew Chen) and I was born in Xingping, a small quiet town in Shaanxi Province, P.R.China. In 1998 I entered into China University of Political Science and Law to pursue my basic legal training majoring in International Economic Law. At the beginning of my graduation year 2002, I was lucky enough to be selected by the David and Jayne Paterson Educational Trust as the fourth Paterson Scholar to read BA in Jurisprudence at Oriel College, Oxford University.As my father is a lawyer, actually a legal consultant in charge of a Chinese state-owned enterprise, I became much interested in law since my early childhood. Having seen, through my father's work, the practical application of laws in Chinese society, I have had a special insight and understanding of the legal environment of China, which has given me a considerable advantage over other students at the China University of Political Science and Law.
The law does not stand alone - its true meaning can only be found with the aid of philosophy, history and literature. I thus find it most important to grow up as a real and sound individual whose success will be judged not only by progress in my career and academic achievements, but also by my human development in such qualities as love, belief and sense of social responsibility. These fundamental characteristics will determine how much I will contribute to society.
I am glad that I have started to achieve some of my objectives in the long road ahead. And I know for sure that there is still a lot to do. With hundreds of years' tradition and its prestigious tutorial system, I believe that Oxford will help me achieve my goals and assist me to find out who I am as well as giving me a fuller understanding and knowledge of the Law. My three years at Oriel will, I know, be highly rewarding as well as challenging!
However without the generous financial assistance from The David and Jayne Paterson Educational Trust, my dream of studying at Oxford University could not have become a reality. The Trust is really special for its foresight in its objective to promote education as the best way to help the developing countries such as China. The influence on the Scholars and their fellow students will certainly produce a deep effect on and great benefit to my country. I look forward to the day when I myself can also contribute to such a programme.
The law does not stand alone - its true meaning can only be found with the aid of philosophy, history and literature. I thus find it most important to grow up as a real and sound individual whose success will be judged not only by progress in my career and academic achievements, but also by my human development in such qualities as love, belief and sense of social responsibility. These fundamental characteristics will determine how much I will contribute to society.
I am glad that I have started to achieve some of my objectives in the long road ahead. And I know for sure that there is still a lot to do. With hundreds of years' tradition and its prestigious tutorial system, I believe that Oxford will help me achieve my goals and assist me to find out who I am as well as giving me a fuller understanding and knowledge of the Law. My three years at Oriel will, I know, be highly rewarding as well as challenging!
However without the generous financial assistance from The David and Jayne Paterson Educational Trust, my dream of studying at Oxford University could not have become a reality. The Trust is really special for its foresight in its objective to promote education as the best way to help the developing countries such as China. The influence on the Scholars and their fellow students will certainly produce a deep effect on and great benefit to my country. I look forward to the day when I myself can also contribute to such a programme.