Time: May 17, 2017

Author: Zuo Xiaohui

Publisher: News center

Li Yifan, a student in the School of Mechanics and Construction Engineering's class of 2014 and winner of the title "Progress Star," has her own idea of "progress": "To me, it refers to not only better academic performance, but also an improvement in every aspect of life, as well as an outcome of your efforts for the future." Her ceaseless efforts paid off: she improved her GPA by 1.02 in her sophomore year, won first prize in the First JNU Cross-Strait Structural Model Competition and was awarded the JNU scholarship for excellent students. As she puts it, "Whoever works hard will be eventually rewarded."

   
"In my freshman year, when I first came to Guangzhou, this prosperous and bustling city, everything around was new and unfamiliar to me," she says. "And somehow I felt at sea in front of such a huge difference. I had little passion for learning, and was feeling puzzled in everyday life."

Dramatically, in her sophomore year, Li was greatly inspired by the novel Ping Fan De Shi Jie (Ordinary World) and started to get herself out of the clouds. In the two years that followed, she has been industrious in both study and work, learning positively with schoolmates, seeking internship opportunities in her spare time, and trying to plan her life.

(At JNU’s 5A Guiding Program Awarding Ceremony)

(At JNU’s First Cross-Strait Structural Model Competition)

"The title ‘Progress Star’ is not merely a result of my personal effort," Li says, "but greatly attributed to the constant support of my teachers, friends and families."

 
"As you move forward, you may feel discouraged from time to time," she adds. "But it is always the support of people around that keeps you motivated." She expresses deep gratitude to all those who care for her and help her keep growing and improving.