At the International College(IC) of Xiamen University(XMU), a group of outstanding students — recipients of the 2025 Yanbao Scholarship, XMU — stand out with their brilliance. Five students from IC have recently been honored with this award, and their inspiring stories will be shared in the coming days.

we meet Zeng Huasheng first, a student of 2023， majoring in International Finance. He not only serves as the Minister of the Sports Department at the college but has also received the First-Class Academic Scholarship and has been recognized as both a "Star of Social Work" and a "Star of Volunteer Service." From a curious freshman to a steadfast striver, he lives by the motto: "Strength comes from within, brilliance shines through action." Now, let us listen to what he has gained and realized during his journey at IC, XMU.

Academic Devotion: Self-Discipline as the Foundation for Growth

For me, learning has always been the top priority. In terms of time management, I prefer to plan on a weekly basis rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. This approach allows me to maintain a clear direction while staying flexible enough to handle last-minute adjustments. After completing my daily tasks, I take a moment to review what I have learned, organizing the knowledge framework in my mind and truly internalizing the key points. I also make reasonable use of AI tools to support my thinking and structure my ideas. However, when it comes to subjects that require rigorous calculation, such as mathematics, I always re-check the work myself to avoid over-reliance on technology.

IELTS Preparation: Conquering Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing Step by Step

IELTS is a hurdle every International College student must overcome. Based on my own preparation journey, I will focus on sharing what I have learned in vocabulary and listening.

Vocabulary learning priorities differ for each IELTS section. For speaking and writing, learn by topic. Reading requires a larger vocabulary — master CET-4/6 words first, then high-frequency IELTS reading words. Sight recognition is enough. Listening vocabulary needs precision — I recommend dictation practice with Wang Lu's Corpus, Chapters 3, 4, and 5, focusing on spelling and details like plurals. Once comfortable, speed up to 1.5x or 2x to boost your listening sharpness."

For different question types, I've developed some methods. For fill-in-the-blanks, I use 'noun spot-listening' — quickly catch nouns and link them to the questions. For multiple-choice, build up your paraphrasing skills and use 'shadow reading' to improve your ear. Stick with these methods, and your listening will steadily improve."

Engaging in Practice: Growing Through Service and Internships

Outside of class, I've thrown myself into volunteering and social practice. In three years, I've logged over 110 hours — helping with sports meets, exchange conferences, the New Year's Gala, first-aid promotion, and more. It's been demanding at times, but the joy of serving others is real. Working with teachers and upperclassmen has also expanded my perspective and given me a strong sense of belonging."

Last year, I did a one-month internship at a bank, mainly handling card services, customer guidance, and consultations at the lobby. It was a real chance to put classroom knowledge into practice. With the help of experienced colleagues, I sharpened my communication and on-the-spot problem-solving skills. Experiencing a real workplace firsthand gave me a clearer sense of my future direction and some truly valuable practical experience."

Moving Forward with Gratitude: A Few Heartfelt Words for Fellow Students

At Xiamen University, I have never walked alone. Whenever I encountered difficulties in my studies or daily life, there were always teachers offering patient guidance and classmates standing by my side. I am deeply grateful to every one of my academic teachers, my class counsellors, and the friends I have met through various activities. It is their support that has enabled me to continuously push beyond my limits and move forward with greater stability and confidence.

Finally, here are a few takeaways I'd like to share with you all:

1.Keep exercising — for both body and mind. No matter how busy, make time to stay active. Run, cycle, play sports — anything works. Good health is the bedrock of all learning and persistence.

2.Step outside and explore the wider world. Take weekends or holidays to visit other cities. It's not just about relaxation — it opens your mind, letting both your feet and your heart travel.

3. Stay consistent in English learning. Don't obsess over one practice score — daily progress matters more. Focus on real skill improvement, and time will tell.

May we all set sail with self-discipline and row with passion — striving forward at IC, XMU, and embracing a better self.