Growing up and studying in China, I’ve always felt like a minority when it comes to sustainability. While environmental awareness is growing globally, in my day-to-day life, most people around me still view sustainability as something distant or abstract—if they consider it at all. But I’ve known its importance from an early age. Through social media and international platforms, I became fascinated by climate issues, carbon footprints, and green innovation. Yet, knowing is one thing; encouraging others to care is something far more challenging.
That’s why studying abroad became more than just a personal academic opportunity. It became a way to witness sustainability in action and to bring those insights back home. During my summer programme at the University of British Columbia, I saw how sustainability could be seamlessly integrated into everyday student life: accessible recycling, reusable cutlery, public transport incentives, and even sustainability-themed dorm activities. It was inspiring—but also a stark contrast to what I was used to.
These differences didn’t make me feel discouraged. They made me feel responsible.
As a computer science undergraduate, I’ve always believed that technology should support the environment. Last semester, I led a group project focused on smart charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), aimed at making EV infrastructure more efficient in small cities and rural areas of China. Our system balanced demand and grid load while promoting off-peak charging—reducing carbon impact and improving accessibility. It was my first hands-on experience linking digital innovation with environmental goals, and it reinforced my passion for sustainable mobility.
My upcoming exchange at the University of Leeds represents the next chapter in this journey. I want to learn more about how students across different countries approach sustainability—not just theoretically, but practically, in their daily lives. I’m excited to join sustainability societies, collaborate on climate-focused hackathons, and exchange ideas with students who come from diverse but equally committed backgrounds.
The BUTEX Sustainability Abroad Scholarship would not only support this educational journey but also amplify its impact. I want to return to China not only with academic credits but with lived stories, practical insights, and renewed energy to promote sustainable awareness in a place where it’s still emerging. I hope to become a bridge between two worlds—encouraging more students like me to take their first steps toward thinking globally and acting sustainably.
Because in the end, every journey leaves a footprint. The real question is: what kind?
