My name is PELAYO ENVO ESONO MAYE, I’m from Equatorial Guinea. I am a Ph.D. student in ECUST. During my study in China, diligence has been my trademark. This has enabled me to earn my teacher's approval, hence making me realize my dream of studying for Ph.D.

I would like to talk about my life experiences at ECUST, so everyone can understand my attitude towards education as well as all the knowledge I have gathered. In my studies, I had never really outdone my ability but in consideration of the fact that I was studying in a different language, I had to put in much time as well as effort.

When I began studying Chinese, I started from scratch, writing characters and practicing pronunciation. Learning a new language in 6 month duration is was not easy but nevertheless I made every effort to it. My application finally earned my teacher's trust. So once I was asked to be the MC at an international student event. Not only did I do a great job, but also by the end of the day, I was endeared to even more people. To be honest, I really enjoy studying at ECUST, and I would spend 4 to 6 hours preparing for class. I’m a very hardworking student, and I also take an active part in school affairs. I listen carefully to lectures, take notes, and every time I encounter difficulties I never hesitate to consult my teachers or even fellow students until I fully understand it. After class I do all my assignments as well as lab reports, which has impressed my teachers and fellow Chinese classmates. It was through these commitments that my scores were maintained at the top of my class. I was chosen by Professor Li to be part of the team undertaking her USRP project. I quickly realized that if I wanted to accomplish my dream of pioneering the development of the Equatorial Guinea's oil and gas reserves, post-doctoral studies would be a necessity. I thought there would be no better place than ECUST to further my education, thus I turned to the International Students office and asked them for an opportunity to continue with my studies here.

What followed was a rigorous, but exciting and thorough Ph.D. program in Chemical Engineering which allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge and marketable skills. The leading-edge educational techniques in ECUST's USRP program enabled me to win 2nd prize at the 15th Challengers Cup International Students Technology Innovation held by Shanghai University on April 2017. My research presentation about the synthesis of chemicals in the FCC reaction has improved the refinery process and increased production. I also received 2nd place in the Wuhan East Lake Doctoral Academic Forum for Chemical Materials on November 2014 for my research involving using ultrasonic and microwaves to change oil properties for better secondary refining and efficiency management. Moreover, at the Jingjiang Supezet equipment manufacturing and coordination innovation conference on October 2015, I was awarded 2nd place based on my research on ultrasonic and microwave time exposure aftereffects on secondary refining efficiency.

The ECUST Ph.D. program also required me to learn English in order to publish my academic research in English and Chinese journals. While doing my research I worked hard to study English in order to meet this requirement and build enough accuracy to have my papers accepted to the prestigious industry publications. By now my research has been published in China Petroleum Processing and Petrochemical Technology; Energy & Fuels and Fuel processing and Technology journals Academic conferences are an important part of life at ECUST as well as my future professional goals. The research I have done at ECUST has allowed me the honor of being chosen to present this research at renowned conferences throughout Asia. At the Taiwan International Oil & Gas conference on February 2016, I presented information on Synthesis and application research of polymerized vegetable oils by the action of plasma. At the “Xinjiang Doctoral Forum for Comprehensive Utilization of Natural Resources” conference on August 2014, I concentrated on studying the residue processing technology, mainly for the changing of physical properties and chemical structure about residual oil and heavy components within microwave and ultrasonic.

My studies, as well as my social life, are both blissful. During my leisure time, I like singing, playing guitar and piano, and also playing sports such as football, basketball, pool, badminton and ping pong etc. All these are always done with friends, during which we are bond together and have gained knowledge and understanding of different cultures. At ECUST, I’m happy in class as well as out of class.

The language skills I learned at ECUST, have allowed me to participate in several Chinese language competitions and exhibitions. So I could have the great opportunity to be involved in many Chinese television programs. First, I win the first place in a Shanghai singing competition called “Chang Jiangbei” Chinese Name of Program Dragon TV. Then I participated in the Shanghai EXPO opening ceremony as representative of diversity at ECUST on May 2010. Last year ECUST also asked me to host and provide entertainment at the international student's dinner during spring festival. Hosting a number of television programs has also been a passion for me. They are World Chinese Language Competition and, More and happier (an entertainment program). Lastly, I am the host of Shanghai tour guide, a Chinese language television show, dedicated to all things in Shanghai.

On 20th November this year, I participated in “Shanghai’s Inter-School competition and emerged 3rd overall. I was granted this opportunity by the International Students office, and I learned a lot through it and also received tremendous experience which enables me to have a wide perspective and also be well informed.

What is worth mentioning is that my experience with my professors at ECUST has been invaluable and inspiring. They have all been very involved in encouraging me to innovate and challenge myself to bigger and better dreams. They are like family to me and I feel that they truly care about my well-being and accomplishments. My fellow students at ECUST have provided many hours of insight and comradery. In times of difficulty, they have been instrumental in my success and in cultivating my ability to cope with the challenges on integrating into a new culture.

I still remember when I arrived in China, I was a stranger and not familiar at all with this country, but Chinese people welcomed me with open arms and taught me about their country that has over 5000 years of rich cultures and traditions. These warm hearts and kind words are beyond comparison for a newly arrived foreigner like me. While being here, I not only have tasted great Chinese food, experienced amazing culture, but also witnessed diverse beauties in various cities. ECUST is my second hometown, I love ECUST!

I would, therefore, like to thank the International Student's office for granting me the opportunity to further my studies as a post-doctoral candidate. I would also thank all the professors as well as all the individuals who have played various roles in helping nurture my education.