Filipino Girl Grace: I Live Like Chinese

Grace, a passionate and outgoing girl, is currently studying Vehicle Engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University. As one of the first overseas students who received the "Belt and Road" scholarship from the Philippines to study in China, she was happy with her luck. "I want to see what China is."

In 2018, Grace and a few friends received scholarship admission notice from China. In just two days, she made up her mind to accept this "invitation". She applied for visa, took health checkup, submitted documents, and packed her luggage... She got prepared in an efficient and orderly manner. "Whatever decision you make, we will support it," said her parents.

Grace, an overseas student from the Philippines. Photo by Grace

However, the first year in China was not a "plain sailing" as she had imagined. The pressure of learning Chinese language and longing for family members slightly frustrated the girl, who was usually optimistic and cheerful. She even secretly cried when not doing well enough.

She might want to set a good example, or she was born to conquer obstacles. In a word, the difficulties did not defeat her. She bluntly stated that tears could not solve the problem, but hard working could. If you go the wrong way, then you should choose another. "My younger sisters are watching me. I should be a model." After three or four months, Grace could communicate with others in daily life. Now, she can attend classes taught in Chinese, and even professional vocabulary cannot defeat her.

A group photo of Grace and matron. Photo by Grace

Although away from parents and family members, Grace has made many friends and met many kind-hearted people in China. The matron shared her meal with Grace, and Grace saw the matrons as family members, for they are of her parents' age. When Grace was feeling down, her friends would comfort her and took her out for entertainment… "Chinese people do not ask questions. They just give a hand."

Grace and her friends. Photo by Grace

In addition, the speed of China's development and capital construction also amaze Grace. When first seeing an elevated parking lot, she said, "It can lift the vehicles up to above, so impressive." The widespread application of intelligent devices such as electric sweeper, delivery robot, and facial recognition device have shocked her. "We don't have them in our country, but China did in 2019." When finding that China could build a wonderful bridge in two to three years, she exclaimed, "Chinese people are really amazing!"

After studying and living in China for five years, Grace has become an authentic "expert in China" now. She stands up to greet others when inviting them to dinner, and clinks glasses and exchange pleasantries with guests. Proficient with chopsticks, she could mix hot pot sauce and distinguish the cooked ingredients from the raw ones in hot pot… "I have lived like Chinese," said she with a smile.

Since the "Belt and Road" Initiative was put forward, Grace, as a Filipino student studying in China, has been deeply touched. In her opinion, the "Belt and Road" co-construction benefits China and other partner countries. "I would like to see the relationship between the Philippines and China improving."