Interview with Student Representative from Institute of Education for International Students

June 29 --- Yunshan Hall at the North Campus embraced GDUFS' second day of  the 2011Commencement Ceremonies on the afternoon of June 28.  In spite of the downpour, students came in their graduation uniforms to join the last official gathering with their classmates and teachers on the ground floor, while their families and friends sat on the second floor holding flowers and cameras to show their support. Aboubacar Diallo, the Student Representative from the Institute of Education for International Students, made a speech at the ceremony in fluent Chinese which impressed everyone present. The handsome young man agreed to let us interview him after the ceremony.

Aboubacar Diallo, a native from Guinea, arrived in Guangzhou four years ago. His Chinese name is BaKe, but his friends often call him Baks. After being introduced to GDUFS by his brother's colleague, also an alumnus, Baks chose our university to spend his four years of college life. "My college life has been very interesting," he told us in sparkling excitement, "You see, I met all these people from different parts of the world and of course, many Chinese friends." He made friends not only in the class but also on the football field. As a sports enthusiast, he often played football with his friends and many other GDUFS students. He went to the gym quite often too.

Aside from making friends, Baks made great strides in improving his professional abilities during the past four years at GDUFS.  He obviously has a good mastery of the Chinese language, which is only one of his strong points. "I often went to the English Corner and French Corner," he said, "and I know a little bit of Arabic." Proficiency in different languages has provided him with many work opportunities. It also served to help him improve his major, Business Chinese. For example, he once did an internship at a trading company where he communicated with Chinese suppliers as well as foreign customers that speak English and French. Also, he participated in the Canton Fair to be involved with practical business activities.

As for entertainment, Baks shared with us that he occasionally watched movies and sometimes went to Beijing Road for shopping. Like many foreigners, Baks is a great fan of Chinese martial arts movies. When asked about the Chinese movies he likes, he quickly named two kung fu films - the first, Hero, directed by Zhang Yimou, the world-known Chinese director and, Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, directed by Xu Ke, the famous director from Hong Kong.  Beside movies and shopping, Baks has enjoyed travelling to many places in China. He spoke about the places that impressed him most. He described Guilin as the most beautiful scenic spot. He said Shanghai is modern with skyscrapers, Beijing has an attractive culture, and Guangzhou is endowed with many business opportunities. As a Muslim, Baks was not accustomed to Chinese food at the beginning, but after a while he began to enjoy some Chinese dishes. "Wo Xihuan Suancai Yu ( I like Fish with Pickled Cabbage)" he shared with us in Chinese his favorite Chinese dish with a great smile.

When asked how he felt during the ceremony, Baks showed an expression of mixed feeling, "I am so excited, like this is my happiest day ever. I am very proud. Finally, I graduated," then he added, "but I have to leave my friends and I have made so many friends here. This is sad. And now I am also nostalgic."

About his future plans, Baks will go back to his country and have a good holiday.  After that he will return to China. "Some of my classmates have found a job here or are doing their internship" he explained. "I will probably also develop my career in China. My next stop may be Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Hong Kong." When talking about his future, the young man was full of confidence and anticipation.

The commencement is over but their future has just begun. We wish all graduates like Baks good luck in the pursuit of their dreams!