Beijing University of Chemical Technology, My Second Home

China Education News Web August 14, 2024 10:22 Beijing

#Graphic Nova Program#I am from Ethiopia(officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia), and really consider China as my second home. In July 2006, after obtaining my bachelor's degree from Jimma University in Ethiopia, I hoped to find a job as a graduate teaching assistant at a university, but this was not an easy task. Fortunately, after three attempts, I secured a position at Arba Minch University (AMU), one of the largest universities in Ethiopia, at the end of 2006. I was overjoyed to begin my career there. I worked as a graduate teaching assistant at AMU for a year and a half before enrolling at Haramaya University in January 2008 to pursue a master's degree. After completing my master's in January 2010, I returned to AMU to continue my career as a lecturer. Driven by a strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree abroad, I made several attempts to apply for scholarships at foreign universities, but none succeeded. Then, one day — what I call my “lucky day” — the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa sent a notice to my university regarding the Chinese Government Scholarship. According to the notice, AMU was to select one candidate from its faculty and staff. Subsequently, a fierce competition ensued among faculty and staff at all levels. In the end, I stood out through each stage of the selection process and was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship, along with the invaluable opportunity to study in China — a chance that changed the wholetrajectory of my life.

On August 28, 2012, brimming with ambition, I boarded my first-ever international flight, traveling from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to Beijing, the capital of China. Upon my arrival at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, I was deeply touched by the warm hospitality of the dormitory manager, the first person I met at the Ximen dormitory. I have always remembered Room 401, where I spent three years, and gave myself the Chinese name “Chu Fu” When I first arrived at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, it took me nearly a month to gradually adapt to Chinese food. During that month, my daily meals consisted simply of cabbage and rice from the cafeteria.

When I went to the Office of International Students to register, my homesickness was temporarily forgotten because I met a group of teachers who showed exceptional care for students, especially Teacher Zhao, who was always smiling, warm, and attentive, providing patient guidance. Additionally, Teacher Sun was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever I needed assistance. I am particularly grateful to the teachers at the Office of International Students (later the School of International Education) for all the support and care they gave me; they were genuinely wonderful. During my studies, I had the honor of serving as the class monitor for the international doctoral students and was awarded the “Top Ten International Students Award.” I also served as the president of the Chinese-Ethiopian Students Association. My study experience in China, combined with my prior experience working at a university in my home country, laid a solid foundation for my later role as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wolaita Sodo University.

Throughout my academic career, I have been fortunate to have a mentor, whom I consider my Academic Father — Professor Li Xiujin, whose patient guidance has been invaluable. My achievements are also inseparable from the cultivation of Professor Yuan, Professor Zou, and Professor Liu and other professors at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Our research team focuses primarily on the conversion of biomass into bioenergy (biogas). The team members are not only friendly and united but also hardworking. They even taught me to become proficient in listening and speaking Chinese. Incidentally, I particularly appreciate the work atmosphere in China, where everyone is dedicated and works diligently.

In June 2015, I successfully completed my doctoral program, but leaving was not easy due to my deep affection for Beijing University of Chemical Technology — my second home — and for China as a whole. Even so, I returned to my home country, Ethiopia, in July 2015. I am grateful to my supervisor, Professor Li Xiujin, who helped me secure an opportunity for postdoctoral research. A few months later, I returned to Beijing University of Chemical Technology to begin my postdoctoral program. As my time in China grew longer, I felt myself gradually integrating into Chinese culture. During my doctoral and postdoctoral studies at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, I published over 45 research papers of various types in prestigious international journals indexed in SCI, including Bio-resource Technology, Science of the Total Environment, Chemical Engineering Journal, Energy & Fuels, Journal of Cleaner Production, Energy, Applied Energy, Waste Management, and Fuels. These achievements were made possible by my study experience in China, and after returning home, I have continued to pursue scientific research in related fields.

Today, I can proudly say that I am an “ambassador for Beijing University of Chemical Technology in Ethiopia and the surrounding regions.” Through close liaison with the School of International Education at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, I have successfully facilitated international cooperation among several universities in Ethiopia and Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

Regarding my personal life, I am married to the lovely Wudinesh Biramo, and we have three children: two daughters, Mercy and Efrata, and a son, Maranatha. They are a true blessing to me. We all eagerly look forward to the opportunity to visit China as a family.

Thanks to my study experience at Beijing University of Chemical Technology and the knowledge I gained from my teachers and colleagues, my life has been profoundly transformed. Shortly after completing my doctorate, I received a grant from the U.S. Government's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which provided intensive training in public administration and enhanced my leadership, organizational, and management skills. This program also gave me the opportunity to meet the then President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama.

Furthermore, the research and project writing experience I gained from the research group at Beijing University of Chemical Technology helped me secure five international cooperation and partnership projects.

In June 2022, Arba Minch University, where I was working at the time, promoted me to Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering. Later, I had the opportunity for further career advancement and assumed the role of Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wolaita Sodo University, one of Ethiopia's top institutions. These honors have been made possible thanks to my studies and the personal growth I experienced at Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

I truly miss China and Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Thank you, China, and thank you, Beijing University of Chemical Technology — my alma mater. I wish my alma mater continued growth and prosperity.

(Author: Akiber Chufo Wachemo [Ethiopia], who obtained his Ph.D. from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2015. Advisors: Wei Xiaodan, Zhao Jianya, Li Qifang)

Source: CHISA (Issue 8, 2024)
Author: Akiber Chufo Wachemo [Ethiopia]