As an international Masters student studying in Shimane University, I was able to learn a lot of things, sometimes taught by someone, and sometimes learned with my eyes and heart despite such a limited period of stay in Japan due to the pandemic.
   First, I learned the basic techniques such as qPCR and evaluation of stroke tendency with model animals in my lab of the Department of Pathology, Functional Pathology Unit.
   Secondly, I learned research methods which require me to handle a human body and focus on the subject with clear and logical thoughts. 
   Lastly, I think this is the most important one: I learned how to incorporate new things as my knowledge. Nowadays, thanks to the advancement of technology, we can get vast amounts of information online or by any other means. So, instead of just waiting for somebody to teach, I think we should find solutions by ourselves as much as possible.  Of course, in order to do that, we need to be capable of telling the difference between correct and false information.
   Life in Izumo is quite different from the one in Shanghai where I resided with my family before coming to Japan. Japanese was a brand new language for me, which needs to be used in daily life. Unfortunately, however, I couldn’t understand it most of the time. Life here is lonely and monotonous, and I miss my family, especially my son, every day. I was sometimes confused about how to carry out my experiments smoothly, learn and quickly master research background knowledge, and communicate with teachers. How would I be able to successfully graduate and continue my doctoral study? I can’t say which one was more difficult for me among all of the above questions. What would you do if every moment of your life was filled with difficulties?  I gradually came to realize that those are not my unique problems. All the international students struggle more or less. Meanwhile, I was fortunate that I got support from my family economically and emotionally. My professor also backed me from time to time. This way, I got used to learning new things and believing in finding solutions to all the problems through hard times. And I now understand that there is no need for tears anymore and that efforts should be paid off.
   I am studying in a department of basic research in the Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University. I know that our hospital of Shimane University has its strength in solid scientific research capability. As a patient, I have witnessed how hard the doctors work in the hospital, and as a student, I have seen how hard my teachers work.  I am very grateful to have this precious opportunity to study in Shimane University. The values I have learned here will continue to play a critical role throughout my whole life.
   To conclude this essay, I’d like to give some advice to those who are interested in studying here as a Ph.D. or Masters student.
   Firstly, I suggest students, especially international students interested in studying here, should get ready for the difficulties they may face, such as academic confusion, clash of cultures, and the loneliness of life.
   Secondly, among these difficulties, you need to choose the main one to focus the most of your attention on. As a Ph.D. or Masters student, studying is the most critical problem in life. And when we focus on our studies, other issues are not so important. Furthermore, in order to learn relevant professional or cultural knowledge, all the new content including computer operation, and life skills, we need to dedicate ourselves with thorough efforts. This will solve one difficulty after another, which will then transform into enjoyment of life.
   Last but not least, trying to develop good habits, such as going to bed early and getting up early, which will help us overcome the difficulties in life. And please remember, try to be excellent, be confident, be optimistic, and you will find those things a part of your life before you know it.

by WANG MEI, December 2021