Manuela Abbotsi-Dogbey: my story in China

I am most grateful to have had the opportunity to study under the CSC scholarship at the China University of Petroleum (UPC).

I am Manuela Abbotsi-Dogbey from Ghana and a graduating student in MSC, Chemical Engineering, 2021. My study at the China University of Petroleum allowed me to unearth some interests and talents from academics, sports, and other extra-curricular activities.

The road of graduating from UPC in 2021 was not as smooth as most previous international efforts had been. This resulted from the hard-hit effects of the coronavirus virus (COVID-19) on all educational institutions, UPC not left out. However, the strong management team of the College of International Education (CIE) did their very best for students. It ensured a smooth transition from offline classes to online tuition and students' better welfare within the 'hard' period. Something worth noting in these eventualities was that I quickly adapted to the new circumstances and situations around me which brought out my best in whatever way possible.

But as the saying goes, what we learn in pleasure, we never forget; that's what my life and study at UPC has been all about. I enjoyed every aspect of the courses offered, as well as the wonderful and responsive CIE staff. My inspiring supervisor and course teachers continually urged me on to academic excellence. I also met wonderful friends from different countries, an opportunity I have always desired, and was able to put faces to people from around the world.

I took part in The Petrol Bowl Competition 2019, where my group emerged as the winner, with Ahmed Ezzat Abdelmoniem as our team leader. I was also involved in the school ladies' football team, where we won several trophies for CIE, and were the Champions of 2019. With a GPA of 3.9, I was honored to be one of the two students promoted as Model Students in Study in the 2019-2020 academic year. I won the first prize in the 1st "My Beautiful Encounter with Shandong" Essay & Short-Video Competition for International Students 2020.

These opportunities have reshaped my interests and raised my aspirations and hopes for a better tomorrow. Graduating from UPC, I undoubtedly know that I will make a difference wherever I find myself in the future, knowing that I had a beautiful part of my life shaped by the China University of Petroleum.