Wenhua’s parents were both laborers with little income when she was born. They had to borrow money from neighbors to take her to the hospital when she fell sick: “I was so weak when I was young that many things in my memory were hospital, nurses and tears.” Now, she is highly motivated to give back to those less fortunate. She is involved in doing book sales to benefit girls with serious illnesses, she volunteers at a nursing home and she talks to disadvantaged students about the gaokao (China’s university entry exam). She also holds part-time jobs and sends gifts to her parents. Wenhua enjoys searching for the unknown; this is why she chose to study physics. After completing her undergraduate degree, she will continue to pursue a doctorate.
Being part of the Qian Zheng Scholarship, her “horizon was broadened partly thanks to the help of my mentor.” Wenhua enjoys knowing people in other countries and age groups who “give me suggestions on how to jump out of my small circle.” Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling and during the summer participated as an instructor at a summer camp that brought middle school students to visit Beijing and some top universities. “When I first learned about The Qian Zheng Memorial Scholarship, I was touched and curious. Since I chose to study physics in university, I have been facing many doubts whether I can do well with this major. The scholarship came as a tremendous encouragement and recognition to me. I always have a great time when we Qian Zheng scholars and the sponsors gather for dinner. I like to listen to the sponsors share their life and career stories. Through them, I often see a different world that I don’t know.” [QZMS has taught me] “to think different, to know there is a group of people doing great things, and my mentors always believe me, support me and encourage me to be a better person and even could influence others.” |