Nihao! I’m Maria Fraser, from Guyana South America. I was 21 years old when I first arrived in China to peruse my Master degree in Marine Science (Marine Biology) from the period 2017-2020. I had no idea what living and studying in China would be like! But it was simply one of my most treasured memories.  Today I’m currently the first Marine Scientist in Guyana with a holder of Master Degree. Thanks for my scholarship ( MOFCOM) and my professor Dr. DongDong Zhang who have worked very closely and encouraged me to do better.

My study life

It was quite simple as I try my very best to learn and get the work completed. During my paper writing it was difficult, at some point I felt anxiety and disappointed, however with good friends and my advisor they encouraged me to keep trying.

My achievement

Recipient: Outstanding International student award (2017)

         Treasurer and secretary of the International Student award (2017-2020)
         Certificate for Best Student Performance (2019)
         Awards for several sports activities
         Four Research publications.  

My campus life:
When I first came to the campus it was very quiet  the “ideal environment for studying”. Being from the western country we are accustom to having activities and studies. My first year in 2017, myself and few of mates arranged a simple international party which subsequently became our annual international party, followed by simple Western sports. Life on campus with friends from all parts of the world with similar interested was the pretty much amazing! Many cultural gaps were bridge and traditions and customs were exchanged.

My impression to college/ZJ

When I first arrived at ZJU Ocean college, I thought it was quiet and huge! I could remember I got lost on campus on the second day (laught) but it was moon festival and everyone was travelling, but after I thought ZJO OC was indeed a special place and a few months after it became a place I can now call my second home.

The most impressive thing

ZJUOC’s requirement to publish papers in International Journals of high impact factor and its impressive ranking over the year. And also the friendly staff, dorm mangmenets, canteen and many more. ZJUOC on the whole was very impressive.

My hobbies

Swimming, badminton, interacting and learning new things about different people and countries

My plan after graduation

My plans is to work with National Geography and to further my studies for a PHD. But over all I’m truly opened and grateful for any great opportunity that arises. As of presently, Im an the only Marine Scientist in Guyana with MSc. Degree and I’m currently employed with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Any words or good ideas to other students

FOCUS！ Hard work and Determination will get you anywhere. Believe in yourself and you can achieve it!