Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ丨Celebrating the Inaugural WASCZ Alumni Gathering in London
In a vibrant corner of London’s Chinatown, history was made on Thursday, February 22, 2024, as alumni of WAS Changzhou gathered for their first official reunion since embarking on their academic journeys in the United Kingdom. Hosted at the renowned New Loon Fung restaurant, decorated to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon, this landmark event brought together a diverse cohort of former students, now pursuing various paths of higher education in the UK.
Physicists and chemists from Imperial College London (ICL); jewelers and metallurgists from the Royal College of Art (RCA); fine artists and illustrators from the University of the Arts London (UAL); data scientists and management students from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE); designers from Goldsmiths, University of London; biologists, psychologists, and crime investigators from University College London (UCL) were joined by marketeers from the University of Manchester and accountants from the University of Durham. The alumni shared their experiences of life and study in the UK and revealed interesting top tips for the next generation.
Despite torrential rain in the city, the atmosphere in the restaurant was warm and vibrant as old friends reunited, sharing laughter and fond memories of their time at WASCZ and stories about life on campus. It was heartwarming to hear them inquire about their former teachers and classmates and discuss the challenges and triumphs of university life abroad. The evening was a testament to the enduring bonds forged during their formative years.
For many attendees, the event served as a poignant reminder of their amazing journey, especially against the backdrop of the pandemic and all its uncertainties for travel and personal health. As they savored traditional Cantonese cuisine amidst the bustling streets of London’s West End, the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences transcended cultural boundaries, reaffirming the lasting impact of the international education acquired at WASCZ.
Dr. Paul Silverwood, the Headmaster from WASCZ, who traveled from China to attend the gathering and meet both alumni and future international exchange students, expressed his delight at seeing the former students thriving in a new environment.
“It’s an honor and pleasure to witness the ongoing success of our graduates who have navigated the challenges of moving overseas, living away from home, assimilating into life in a cosmopolitan city, and embracing the challenges and opportunities of higher education in the UK,” he remarked. “Their enthusiasm and passion serve as a testament to the values instilled in them during their time at WASCZ, and a resoundingly positive call to those who follow. I am thrilled to learn that they have fully embraced the notion of ‘learning for life,’ and it was great to hear about their plans for setting up their own businesses, learning additional languages, applying for postgraduate study, becoming researchers, or PhD candidates in the near future.”
Our artists and designers, sat together and spoke about their projects, the freedom they have to be creative, and their future plans. Whether at Goldsmiths, University of the Arts London, or the Royal College of Art, our talented alumni all believe they made the best choice for themselves and are thriving in these environments alongside the world’s best art students. They noted that WASCZ had provided them with the tools and support to pursue their dreams, and they were grateful for the friendships and experiences that had informed their decision-making and shaped their journeys. The alumni gathering reminds us all of the strong sense of community that defines WASCZ.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism and excitement for the future. Plans were already underway for future alumni gatherings and collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering greater connections among WASCZ graduates across the UK. For many, the reunion served as a catalyst for renewed friendships and a reaffirmation of their shared identity as proud ambassadors of WASCZ. One student distributed bookmarks with messages for excellent health, happiness, and good fortune in the new year. Jieyang, studying Accounting & Finance at the University of Durham, who had a long journey home, messaged everyone later to ask for photographs from the event… it was noticeable that phones were rarely seen at the dinner table as they were no match for face-to-face conversation and laughter.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the inaugural alumni gathering reminds us of the spirit of community at WASCZ and of the power of education to open minds, open doors, and breathe life into global citizenship. As these young men and women continue to carve out their paths in an international landscape, they carry with them the values and traditions instilled at WASCZ, united in their shared journey of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities.
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