If someone asked me how UIC was different from other firsts-class universities, I would say that it is one of the best places for self-advancement in China. With its unique admission process, UIC breaks the rules of the college entrance examination selection mechanism. It provides students with an international perspective and helps them prepare for the real world and their future.

The film and television program is equipped with state-of-the-art filming facilities, mixing studios, and recording studios. Our international faculty is highly experienced in the industry. Students create their own stories through light, sound and color. The close study of theory and practice, especially the on-set experience in my sophomore and junior year, made me realize early on the importance of collaboration. During these years, I also embraced the resources provided by UIC and used the equipment to visualize my creativity and imagination.

What is rare and exciting to me is the all-British educational background and localized teaching philosophy at UIC. It allows each CTV student to examine both domestic and international filmmaking. The students are taught by faculty from USC and NYU to explore the possibilities of shooting various subjects with industry standard. I believe this unique perspective is also applicable to other majors. This spirit of independent thinking has always reminded UIC students not to fall into one single mindset and urged us to adapt to the development of society.

Now that we have reached the graduation season and received our ideal offers, we are glad that we survived the four-year journey, and we have completed the transformation from being inarticulate to being active in various presentations and group activities. The concept of whole-person education is reflected in the school's comprehensive elective courses, in which I learned a lot about the industry and developed my critical thinking.

"In knowledge and in deeds, unto the whole person" For four years, this value has been guiding me to get out of my comfort zone. I am grateful for what UIC has given me. As I was about to graduate, I found that the concept of "strict admission and strict graduation" has promoted everyone's development. Here, effort and harvest are equally important.

Looking back at the time at Jin Tong Road, I thought about my four years of study at UIC and how we strove onward despite the hardships.  

The journey was tiring. I remember the moments when I felt confused as I first started to study film and television. I remember the days and nights when I worked hard to revise scripts and shoot short films. I remember the frustration I felt when I failed.

I have experienced difficulties and setbacks, and finally the pleasant breeze has come to me when the film I shot was screened in public, when I explored and learned with my classmates, when I received the scholarship for three consecutive years, and when I examined my choices at graduation.

At the beginning of my senior year, I decided to apply to graduate schools in the UK by myself. Six months later, I went from knowing nothing about studying abroad to receiving two offers from the top universities in the UK - LSE and UCL. The Media and communication department of my dream school, LSE, has been ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for many years. I was fortunate enough to be selected by LSE because of the four years of solid study at CTV. From communication theory and film history, to photography, editing and sound production, the teachers from all over the world have inspired me. Thanks to you all, I have unlimited possibilities for my future studies and works.

At the time of graduation, I finally understood the significance of UIC for me. It has guided me to meet numerous mentors and friends, and taught me to endure the disappointment and pursue my dreams bravely. The journey ahead is long and hard but I’m grateful to UIC and CTV.

My four years at UIC have always been fulfilling and enjoyable. The school has excellent faculty and facilities. The curriculum is carefully designed so that we could learn theoretical knowledge and also put it into practice. The faculty at UIC is always there to help you with your studies and life in general. When I was applying to the graduate program, UIC as an internationally recognized school has given me a huge advantage. When I began my study in the UK, I found that I could better adapt to the English academic environment compared to other international students. I have already gained knowledge in how to conduct academic reading, writing, and research. I am grateful for the education I received at UIC and CTV, which allowed me to continue my study in a top university.

In the past four years, the combination of theoretical and practical teaching and the opportunities given by the teachers at CTV have provided me with great resources and experience so that I have a clear career path. I had the experience of interning at Dragon TV and Phoenix Satellite TV, participating the exchange program in the United States, and becoming the chairman of the student organizing committee of the 24 frames Creative Media Festival. Finally, I received the scholarship from Boston University. UIC and CTV have taught me not only the skills and knowledge, but also how to plan in advance and be patient in the process.

The four years I spent at UIC have given me many surprises. The English teaching environment gave me good English skills; the busy academic life improved my ability to work under pressure; the long summer breaks every year gave me enough time to do internships and enrich my resume. The CTV program I studied covered a wide range of courses, which allowed me to understand the whole picture of the film industry as well as to find my future career path. I have gained and grown during my four years in college, thanks to UIC!