Unexpected plans

Li's philosophy aligns with Zhang Yuxin's approach to life-make plans but avoid overplanning.

Zhang Yuxin, a graduate student at Central Saint Martins, UK, is studying innovation management. Her winter break was filled with surprises, and she enjoyed every moment.

For instance, upon a friend and alumna's invite, she helped curate a Christmas popup store for the brand Momonary, which will be entering the upcoming London Fashion Week in February.

On New Year's Eve, she had a sudden change of plan and went to Haikou, South China's Hainan province, to attend the countdown show of Hunan Satellite TV for the years 2023-2024.

"Whenever an opportunity arises, seize it, even if it seems 'crazy' or out of your league at first glimpse," she said. "At this point in my life, I think the most important thing is to learn more about myself, explore the world, and connect with people around me. Make plans, but always be open to unexpected changes."

The trip to Haikou left a lasting impression on her. She was captivated by the city's fast development and also its diverse culture and endless possibilities.

"You can be laid-back and chill, or you can start your own projects or business," she said. "I think Chinese students who have studied abroad could easily adapt to the atmosphere here."

Despite her brief visit, the city significantly influenced her future plans. She intends to return to Haikou after completing her master's degree at CSM.

"In European countries, it seems like we would be job hunting. However, in China, our focus is more on building a career. In our home country, there are numerous opportunities where we can make a substantial impact," she said. "I hope there will be more policies to make it easier for students studying abroad to transition back to their home country and to explore more cities with potential, just like Haikou."