Siyu Zhang | Bachelor of Education (TESOL)

“As a New Media Assistant, I cover breaking news, cultural events, and economic trends through field reporting. A recent career highlight for me was interviewing Cunxin Pu, the renowned Chinese actor whose work I grew up watching on TV. It was a privilege to engage with him and discuss the evolution of theatrical arts; an experience that bridged my childhood admiration with professional journalism.

“The most rewarding aspect of this job has been the opportunity to connect with professionals across diverse industries. Particularly invaluable is my exposure to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, which has deepened my understanding of societal evolution while keeping me at the forefront of emerging trends.

“Prior to working at Nanfang, I was a teaching intern, responsible for daily English instruction and the planning of campus activities. I then worked as an intern at Shenzhen Media Group, where my duties included script translation and video editing for documentary production teams. Later, as a legal assistant at a law firm, I specialised in translating overseas legal documents and materials.  

“Though I’m not working in education now, my Bachelor of Education (TESOL) taught me that education isn’t just about classrooms. It’s deeply connected to every part of society. When I studied educational sociology, I realised there’s a huge system running behind the scenes that shapes how people live. That’s why I chose journalism; it lets me explore all these different layers of society and understand how everything connects.

“The University of Auckland is known for its strong education programmes, making it my top choice for advancing my studies in this field. Additionally, I know alumni who studied the same programme and their positive experiences really influenced my decision to apply. And New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty and rich culture were big draws too. I’ve always wanted to explore the country’s mountains and coastlines while balancing my studies with some weekend trips.

“Learning through English as a second language can be challenging. Many of my peers and I initially struggled with anxiety and self-doubt when communicating in English. But I want students to know this: mistakes are natural stepping stones in language acquisition. True fluency lies in conveying ideas, not grammatical perfection. Don’t let fear silence your voice.

“There is an incredible support system at the University. We weren’t just assigned tutors and study buddies but also had Chinese-speaking academic advisers for urgent help. What impressed me most was how they intentionally connected international students with local peers through group projects, making us feel part of the community despite the distance. That’s why this experience remains so meaningful to me.

“From my professors at the University of Auckland to other teachers I’ve met along the way, they’ve all shown me that a teacher’s real job isn’t just about facts and grades. It’s about helping kids believe in themselves and find what they’re truly capable of. Great teachers don’t just pass on knowledge; they guide students to grow the skills and courage needed to handle life’s challenges. This isn’t about being ‘smart’; it’s more like planting a quiet confidence in students.

“Outside of study, embrace exploration beyond textbooks. Join an interest club, volunteer at community events, or start a passion project. Every experiment, whether successful or not, builds resilience and expands your vision of what’s possible. The future isn’t a fixed path; it’s a landscape shaped by the chances you take.