As I sit in my dorm room, surrounded by half-packed boxes and scattered memories, I’m struck by the surreal feeling that it’s all ending. The impromptu adventures, the countless cups of coffee fueled by deadlines and doubts; it’s hard to believe that this chapter of my life is finally coming to an end.

Yet, as I look back on the last few years, I’m reminded of the countless moments that have shaped me into who I am today. From the nervous excitement of freshman year to the bittersweet nostalgia of senior year, CUHK-Shenzhen has been my home, my playground, and my sanctuary.

I (left) met Wang Ting (right) in compilers class

Reflections on University Life

I was always an indecisive person, never quite sure what I wanted in life. The one thing I did know was that I loved computers, and hoped that whatever it was I ended up doing would involve them. A degree in computer science seemed like a no-brainer, but my background was unorthodox to say the least.

In high school, I wasn’t in the STEM stream for national examinations, which meant that I never studied things like biology, chemistry, or mathematics beyond pre-calculus. My Cambridge A-levels rescued me somewhat, though the courses were chosen more like a buffet selection instead of the care required by the gravity of determining my future. This led to a less-than-optimal combination of mathematics, physics, linguistics, and business management.

Yet somehow, here I am graduating with a Computer Science degree, with a full-time offer from Huawei Research to boot. But this story wasn’t without its twists and turns.

Early Struggles

My first semester of studies was a struggle. I was far from home, had no friends, and my grades were abysmal—a 2.0 major GPA was not exactly something to be proud of. And then the coronavirus pandemic hit. It was a disaster, one that I never thought I could recover from. After another year and a half of online studies, I called it quits. The isolation, lack of human interaction, and constant screen time wore me down. 

I couldn’t take any more online studies, I couldn’t even stand being near my computer by that point. And so, I took a gap year to relax, recharge, and recuperate from the stresses of life. Throughout the next year, I spent time with my family, travelled around, and even made some new friends. I lived out my life to try and find my bearings amidst the turbulence rocking it into chaos.

Just as my gap year was about to end, the university sent word that China was reopening and that we could return to campus. I didn’t have high expectations for myself or what I’d be able to accomplish in the time I had left, but I made the resolution to make the most out of my university experience and come back to campus early instead of taking the remainder of the year online.

Turning the Tide

Adjusting to campus life after such a long break was challenging, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. I decided to push my limits by taking some of the harder classes together, including graphics and compilers. If I could survive both, I figured I could survive anything. The rigorous coursework forced me to develop new study habits and time management skills, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for computer science. Late nights reading and writing code became a norm, but the satisfaction of mastering complex concepts made the sleepless nights worth it. The camaraderie I’ve built with friends over those coffee-fueled overnight sessions created bonds that have lasted well beyond the semester.

The challenges didn’t end with my academics either. Navigating the social aspects of university life was equally demanding. I made it a point to attend various campus events, join competitions, and engage in extracurricular activities in order to make full use of my time remaining. Each new experience taught me valuable lessons and provided opportunities to grow personally and professionally. In retrospect, these experiences were just as valuable as the academic ones.

Unexpected Encounters

Senior year was when I truly started hitting my stride. Sometimes, life presents you with incredible opportunities, but only if you go and grasp them. Fortuitous encounters can happen anywhere, and mine came at an SDS pizza party. There, my encounter with Professor Hsu turned out to be a pivotal moment in my academic journey. 

What started as a casual chat about microarchitecture turned into a three-hour discussion that continued well after all the other guests had left, leaving me both fascinated and inspired. The conversation ended with an unexpected offer: an invitation to join the teaching team for Computer Architecture. I was thrilled at the opportunity, and after some finagling with SDS, I became the 4th undergraduate teaching fellow for CSC 3050 the following semester.

L-R | Julian, Prof. Hsu, Me

This experience not only deepened my understanding of computer architecture but also gave me a chance to develop my teaching skills and share my knowledge with others. I even made friends with two colleagues, Alan and Julian, who worked alongside me.

Professor Hsu's guidance didn't stop there. Throughout the semester, I would frequently visit his office, often unscheduled, to discuss various topics; from the latest developments in computer architecture to the ways that we can improve the teaching of CSC 3050. Our conversations were always engaging and informative, and I appreciated his willingness to share his expertise and insights with me. He also went on to supervise my capstone research project, which ultimately earned me an award.

Graduated, presented, and won an award 

Looking back, I realize that attending that pizza party was a real turning point in my academic career. Meeting Professor Hsu and receiving his mentorship, guidance, and encouragement helped me grow both intellectually and professionally, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities he provided.

Making New Friends

The friendships I formed during my university experience have been equally transformative. Just like the saying “you are what you eat,” I believe that “you are who your friends are” is equally true. During my last two years at CUHK(SZ), I was fortunate to make many new friends out of incredibly smart and talented individuals. Individuals whose earnest passion for their studies and exemplary work ethic have inspired me to strive for excellence in my own work.

In 2022, I met Philip when he became my neighbor at Shaw College. Our friendship grew through spirited discussions on topics that spanned career aspirations, civil rights issues, and the complexities of immigration. Philip’s influence played a significant role in my growth, both academic and personal. The nudges towards taking challenging opportunities—like taking compilers class or becoming an undergraduate teaching fellow—initially seemed daunting, but ultimately set me on a path to success. I realize now that his suggestions, which I hesitantly embraced, became turning points in my academic journey, opening doors I didn’t know existed.

Best of Friends

To other friends who I have not mentioned, but have been equally supportive and inspiring, I owe a debt of gratitude. Your encouragement and presence have been pillars of strength throughout my journey. Being around hardworking and passionate individuals has inspired me to strive harder and achieve more than I ever thought possible. I am motivated to achieve great things in your company, and truly grateful to have all of you in my life. I wish all of you the best in pursuing further education and careers abroad and hope that we might meet again someday.

Back to the Present

As I progressed through my final year, the pieces began to fall into place. My major GPA took a sharp rise, with the final two years averaging around a 3.6, and a 3.9 for the final semester—a number that once seemed as distant as the stars. My capstone project earned a distinction and the university’s Best Capstone Project Award. And then came a job offer from Huawei Research, for a position typically reserved for master’s graduates. It’s surreal to think about how far I've come.

From being a mediocre student with little programming knowledge to an incoming Compiler Engineer at Huawei Research; it surely has been an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. One that simply would not have been possible without the support of my mentors, friends, and colleagues that I have been incredibly fortunate to have met here in CUHK-Shenzhen.

806ers-the best roommates

As I pack the last of my belongings and prepare to leave this chapter behind, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Excitement for the future, sadness at leaving, but most of all, a profound sense of gratitude for the journey. CUHK-Shenzhen will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to be an alum. It's been a rollercoaster ride, but one that I wouldn't trade for the world.

A Message to Students

To current and future students of CUHK-Shenzhen, I offer this piece of advice: embrace every opportunity, even the challenges. Take the hard classes, attend unexpected events, and strike up conversations with strangers. University life is a journey of self-discovery, and each experience, whether good or bad, shapes you in ways you cannot imagine. Build meaningful connections, seek out mentors, make good friends, and most importantly, never stop learning. Your time here will pass quickly, so make the most out of it.

By Vincentius Janssen