Interview with outstanding student Ocean

Interview with outstanding student Ocean

May,19 2025

Name: NKOLOKOSAH DANIEL STEPHEN (Ocean)

Undergraduate student majoring in Software Engineering at the School of International Education, Class of 2022.

A bridge between Chinese and foreign cultures, a pioneer in bilingual communication.

Elite in international competitions, bilingual host and navigator. After enrollment, he won the first and second prizes of the Academic Scholarship from Shanghai Institute of Electrical Engineering, the Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship, the third prize in the International Student Group of the 6th Chinese Classic Recitation and Writing Competition, and the first prize in the 5th "Recitation of China" school; Hosted international graduation ceremonies in both Chinese and English, the "Innovate China, Meet in Shanghai" Sino US youth exchange program, and cultural experience program, planned Hanfu cultural lectures, and helped 200+international freshmen integrate; Participated in the research project "China's Non Career Development" and obtained C-Test B2 certification from the University of T ü bingen.

In 2025, nominated for the "Principal Scholarship" at Shanghai Institute of Electrical Engineering.

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对于这次成功获得2025年校长奖学金提名,你有什么心得或体会和我们分享吗?

Do you have any thoughts or experiences to share with us about the successful nomination for the 2025 President Scholarship?

A

I am deeply honored and proud to be nominated for the 2025 President Scholarship, which proves that my efforts and perseverance have not been in vain. Every step, from the classroom to various exchange activities, from volunteering to teamwork, is extremely important. I am particularly grateful to my teachers and classmates for their support and encouragement, and I hope my experiences can inspire everyone to study hard and bravely pursue their dreams. In the future, I will also continue to maintain my enthusiasm and give back to the school through my actions.

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Q

What academic challenges have you encountered during your studies at Shanghai DianJi University, and how did you deal with them?

A

The toughest one was Data Structures and Algorithm Design. Initially, the complexity of the content combined with the language barrier was overwhelming. I started reviewing every lecture on the same day and eventually formed a bilingual learning group with local classmates. We taught each other our languages and collaborated on projects. This cross-lingual teamwork didn’t just help me grasp technical logic—it also revealed the essence of collective learning.

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Q

You once hosted the opening ceremony of the “Innovation China”exchange delegation—what did that experience mean to you?

A

That was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Standing in front of students and teachers from both China and the U.S., I had to switch smoothly between English and Chinese, conveying both facts and emotion. I spent two weeks preparing and even consulted a friend who works as a radio host. When the applause broke out that day, I realized that language is not just a tool—it builds trust and sparks understanding. That event wasn’t just a cultural exchange. It was also a personal affirmation of who I’ve become.

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Q

Regarding cultural adaptation, what culture shocks have left a deep impression on you?

A

The first time I ordered food in the canteen, I used a translator and got “Lion’s Head.” I was stunned, thinking I ordered an actual lion! Another time, during the Spring Festival, I was invited to a classmate’s family dinner. The warmth of everyone sitting together, elders serving food, passing red envelopes—it was deeply touching. The journey from unfamiliarity to resonance is built on time and sincerity.

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Q

As an excellent senior, what advice do you have for the international students who have just arrived at Shanghai DianJi University?

A

Don’t wait until you’re “ready” to act. Walking into a canteen, joining a club, saying your first sentence in Chinese—these are all part of shaping your identity. Take some risks, make some mistakes, and you’ll realize the world is quietly reaching back toward you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you’re uncertain. The teachers at the International Education Office are always ready with sincere and practical advice.

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Q

What are your plans for the future, and what kind of value do you hope to bring to the world?

A

I hope to merge my understanding of software engineering with my passion for psychology to create digital products that promote emotional well-being and educational equity. I’m conceptualizing a multilingual AI mental health assistant that can support young people across cultures with both empathy and structure. I don’t just want to be a coder—I want to be a guide in the digital world.

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Q

As an international student in China, how do you view the promotion of Chinese culture? Have you had any similar experiences yourself?

A

I believe promoting culture isn’t about exporting—it’s about sharing. For example, I once spoke at a 'Chinese-International Culture Salon' where I introduced the beauty of Chinese calligraphy in English, and we practiced writing the character 和 together. When we appreciate each other’s culture without bias, we’re already on the path of cultural exchange. Chinese culture taught me to observe the world with my eyes—and to feel it with my heart.