Yanglu Gao

“You are here to grow as professionals, as a person.” Those words of inspiration, spoken during my very first meeting with Professor Nikki, were the catalyst for my journey of self-discovery and growth in the Psychology M.A. program at WKU. For the past year, my life has been a balancing act of dual identities: a graduate student by twilight and a dedicated high school teacher at Wenzhou No.2 Foreign Language School by daylight. It’s a dual role I’ve embraced wholeheartedly, and I love every moment of it.

My passion for learning and knowledge sharing has been a constant driving force in my life. It all began during my undergraduate years at Zhejiang Normal University, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in English. But it was during an exchange program in the United States that I truly felt the transformative power of education. In that diverse and inclusive environment, I met a remarkable classmate—a 70-year old with silver hair who lugged her suitcase to class every day. She became my symbol of lifelong learning, a testament to the fact that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limits.

Ever since that eye-opening year in the US, I’ve been an advocate for global education. I joined an international volunteer organization in Russia as a Chinese culture ambassador and organized study trips to prestigious institutions like Harvard University for middle and high school students. Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching at Wenzhou No. 2 Foreign Language School, witnessing the challenges faced by today's high school students. My dream to provide them with more professional guidance and support, fueled by a thirst for systematic knowledge in psychology, has grown alongside my enduring dream of returning to college—much like that gray-haired granny who sat next to me when I was just 21.

And then, fate smiled upon me when Wenzhou Kean University introduced its psychology program in 2022, offering me the opportunity of a lifetime. Balancing the demands of being a Senior Three high school teacher—a role known for its stress and demands—with the rigors of graduate studies has not been easy. Going to four night classes per week, burning the late-night oil preparing for exams, and dedicating numerous hours to writing essays became the daily rhythm of my life apart from handling demanding teaching jobs. It was a challenging juggling act, one that demanded unwavering commitment and discipline. Yet, every minute spent at WKU has been a source of pure joy and inspiration, thanks to my incredible classmates and professors.

Our professors are not just knowledgeable and inspiring; they are also caring and genuinely kind. Professor Nikki, a former school principal of over two decades, knows the art of teaching and motivating students. Her reassuring words, “ We are here to learn, so don’t worry,” have become my mantra, one that I now pass on to my own stressed senior three students in China. As a student in her class, I’ve gained fresh insights into the student experience, allowing me to fine-tune my teaching methods. Professor Qian, a young and vibrant teacher, effortlessly combines friendship with exceptional teaching. Her classes always ring with laughter, and her lectures are both vivid and informative. Professor Eva, a lively and energetic educator, makes abnormal psychology come to life through her engaging demonstrations and profound knowledge. And then there’s Professor Alex, the only male teacher in our midst, whose infectious laughter, guided discussions, and patient guidance have illuminated our path through research and various courses.

But it’s not just the professors who have made this journey remarkable; it’s the companionship of my classmates, a group of twelve remarkable ladies, each with her unique energy. What I cherish most about our group is our diversity and the harmonious atmosphere we create. Some of us are fresh college graduates, while others, like me, juggle full-time jobs or even have little kids at home to care for. We span nearly two decades in age and come from different cultural backgrounds, yet we are a tight-knit sisterhood bonded by a common purpose—to learn, to support, and to grow as one.

Now at the midpoint of this journey, I find myself overflowing with gratitude for the tapestry of experiences that have enriched my life. Immersed in the lush embrace of this Sino-American university, I eagerly anticipate what the future holds. In the words of our university motto, “Start here, go anywhere,” I am ready to embrace the unknown and continue my journey of growth and learning, both as a professional and as a person.