As 2021 comes to an end, master’s students of the Contemporary China Studies program of the Silk Road School, Renmin University of China have already completed a semester of their studies. From brief self-introductions via emails with each other to attending courses and interacting with each other, the Class of 2021 students have already become a part of the larger Renmin University of China family.

This diverse batch of students, most of them currently in their home country due to the pandemic, have worked hard through the different time zones and put in effort in discussions and interactions. Hence, as we bid farewell to 2021, the Class of 2021 has sent their warm wishes from all around the world.

Some students have decided to kick-start their 2022 with their own new year’s resolution. Let’s read some:

Ekaterina Prodanova from Russia

“From my point of view, the recent years have underlined the importance of three aspects that are crucial for survival. The first one is adaptability, as the conditions change faster now. The other one is development everywhere possible, in order to keep up with the pace. And last, but not least, is maintaining a healthy balance. The whole world has come to realize that we share the same boat, theInterconnectedsystem of countries now covers the whole planet, and everyone matters.

So, on the personal level I see the new year as a field where I can exercise my adaptability, whatever 2022 brings, while keeping the intellectual development process going, as next year we all will have a thesis to write. And of course, I hope to maintain the balance between studies, work and life and keep having fun, traveling around and enjoying the new experiences too!”

BatzorigTurtogtokh from Mongolia

“Next year, Academically, I want to polish up my Chinese and take the HSK exam. Also, I hope that I will have finished writing a book, which will be a great experience and proud for myself. Personally, I would like to travel many cities in China with my new classmates and make some appreciable and life long memories. I will spend more time to discover myself including finding new hobby, doing meditation, expand my friend zone. Generally, I just believe that 2022 will be more merciful year with full of joy for everyone.”

Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari from Nepal

“For 2022, I have mainly set two goals: first, I hope to finish one book per month and encourage myself to read more, second, I hope to manage my time better and maintain a balanced schedule.”

AybikeKostekci from Turkey

“My 2022 resolutions are improving my Chinese, playing ukulele and encouraging myself to go out of my comfort zone! I hope 2022 will be the year that everyone reaches their goals! Happy new year you all!”

Carlos Ignacio Uc Herrera from Mexico

“My new year resolution is to improve my skills in the Chinese language and continue to do my best”

Natalia ElzbietaKowalska from Poland

“Since New Year is approaching, I've made several resolutions to help me stay on track with my studies and social life. I definitely plan on reading even more books than last year, start learning a new language and write and publish a few articles. I also want to improve my Chinese language skills by learning new vocabulary and practicing speaking more often.Social life is also very important to me so I want to spend more time talking to all of my colleagues from our university, get to know them more and share experiences with them and maybe, if it's possible, meet some of them in person. I think these are very realistic goals so I'll focus on working to achieve them this year.”

Gideon AmprofiSerbeh from Ghana

“2021 taught me enough lessons, which in my view, should cushion me for unexpected situations come 2022.

Setbacks, failures, successes, ups, downs, wins, losses, etc

Moreover, life’s been a pleasure trying to meet challenging demands. For this, I hope for a better life plan ahead for 2022.

Loads of love from Ghana”

Article and video by Ekaterina Prodanova and Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari