Sun Ruoyu is a UIC student from the Class of 2015 of the International Journalism Programme. She is now studying for her PhD degree at the University of Miami and has already published eight papers in top SSCI journals in the fields of Communication and Management.
Sun Ruoyu
However, according to Sun, before determining her enthusiasm for her current academic path, she used to be stuck amid confusion and hesitation when facing so many directions and selections while no correct answer was given.
Fortunately, studying at UIC has guided her out of the fog, replenishing her with knowledge, warmth and courage.
It is well-known that UIC encourages positive student-teacher interaction, and many students have benefited from it, including Sun.
She said that each professor at UIC had a wealth of life experience and was always willing to share it with students on various topics like study and career planning. More importantly, she added, UIC’s teachers would respect everyone and treat them on an equal footing.
Sun Ruoyu (second from right) participates in UIC’s study tour in Taiwan led by Associate Professor Dr Edgar Yuen (fourth from right)
Besides the insightful guidance from her teachers, Sun’s growth was also nourished by UIC’s course setting and diverse after-school activities.
“Before coming to UIC, I had never thought about pursuing a PhD,” Sun told us. “But the idea was sparked by the Social Aspects of Media Technology course. It was this course that got me interested in academic research.”
She specifically mentioned the musical Legend, written, directed and performed by UIC students. “It reminds and encourages me to locate and chase my inner passion,” she said.
Therefore, after graduation, with UIC’s teacher’s help and her outstanding profile, Sun continued her journalism studies at the University of Georgia (UGA)’s Grady College.
She quickly adapted to the new study pace thanks to the English teaching environment and intense study at UIC. Eventually, her master’s thesis was awarded by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR).
Sun Ruoyu wins an award from the IPR
Studying at UIC and UGA provided a good foundation for Sun’s doctoral application. After receiving four full-award PhD offers, she finally chose the University of Miami.
During her PhD study, her project was funded by Pennsylvania University, and the IPR again awarded her two papers.
But before achieving the glories, she had to face and leap numerous invisible obstacles with great hard work, such as the rejections of her papers and the change of her supervisor.
Based on her previous experience, Sun would like to share her insights with UIC’s students:
“The journey of PhD study is long and rough. It requires not only interest and passion but also endless endeavour, patience, and perseverance. It is crucial to find a suitable supervisor and be open-minded to and tolerant of mistakes and failures. Remember to evaluate your pains and gains from a long-term perspective, and don’t forget to improve your research skills while heading towards your goal. Lastly, staying positive will do good for your study.”
Sun is grateful to study and get acquainted with all the knowledgeable teachers at UIC. The College has taught her to raise questions, seek answers, and be a brave dream-chaser. It is the sense of meaning and value that today’s society needs most.
Sun Ruoyu’s graduation photo with friends at UIC
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photo provided by the interviewee and Chen Yuanxi
Editor: Deen He
