On March 7th, 2025, as I sat in the classroom, listening to Dean Prof. Wu Jiahong speak about the marvel of Guizhou Medical University (GMU), a quote by Jen Frederick came to mind: “We don’t pick the family we are born into, but we do choose the family we live with.” At that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I was to have found a family in GMU—a place I now proudly call my own.

GMU’s rich history is a testament to its resilience and dedication. Established in 1938 as the National Guiyang Medical College, it was one of nine medical colleges under the Ministry of Education at the time. Despite the challenges of its early years, the university was built on the unwavering determination of its professors and tutors, who refused to let adversity stand in the way of their mission to educate future medical professionals.

That same spirit of perseverance still resonates deeply within GMU today. From humble beginnings—a campus with a door that barely had a fence—it has grown into a prestigious institution with 4 affiliated hospitals, 8 non-directly affiliated hospitals, 12 teaching hospitals, and 134 clinical practice and teaching bases. GMU offers 49 undergraduate majors. 3 disciplines, Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Biology and Biochemistry, ranked in the top 1% globally by ESI (Essential Science Indicators). If this isn’t outstanding growth, then we need to redefine the term entirely.  

For me, GMU is more than just a university; it’s a place I now call home. It’s where I find comfort, explore new facets of myself, and receive a state-of-the-art education. Studying medicine in China was always a dream of mine, and GMU has turned that dream into reality.  

The university’s motto, “True to one's self, service to others, honor the past, look to the future,”perfectly encapsulates its ethos. GMU is not just a place of learning but a beacon of excellence and innovation. As an international student, I feel incredibly lucky to be here, especially as GMU celebrates the 10th anniversary of enrolling international students in 2014.  

I am excited to contribute to GMU’s legacy and live up to every word of its motto. The spark I feel here is as bright as the university’s hallmark in the city of Guiyang. Here’s to the future—may it be as remarkable as GMU’s past and present and future.