Lio Yi Shun (刘亦舜), a Malaysian undergraduate majoring in finance at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, reflects on his four-year journey, from basketball victories to lessons in courage, responsibility, resilience, and personal growth.

When asked about his motivation for studying finance, Lio said that his initial reason was simply that "finance seemed cool to me, and it can express my individuality." His candid words also reflect the sincerity and simplicity that define his approach to life.

Lio made his decision to study abroad during high school. At first, adapting to new habits, coping with academic pressures and emotional struggles, and settling into a brand-new environment was daunting. Yet these experiences taught him to interact humbly with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, master the art of balancing study and life, and appreciate the process of growth, something he considers his most significant gain during his four years in university.

He admitted that his initial decision to join the student union was influenced both by his sister, who also studied at SUFE, and by a desire to "stand out" and gain some extracurricular experience.

He had envisioned frequent appearances at large events, but the reality turned out to be different. His work in the arts department mainly involved behind-the-scenes tasks such as event planning and stage design.

Driven by a sense of responsibility and the satisfaction of achievement, Lio gradually grew to love his role. Watching the stage he helped decorate come alive to audience cheers gave him a sense of fulfillment beyond words. "It's like nurturing a project from a simple idea, putting in team effort, and finally bringing it to fruition. The feeling of creating something out of nothing can only be understood by those who have been part of the process."

In the student union, Lio became known and respected for his gentle, humble, and considerate character. In a team of diverse personalities, he often took the initiative to mediate disagreements and seek common ground. He realized that to ensure events run smoothly, one must focus on the bigger picture and address the core issues.

Beyond the classroom, the basketball court witnessed his dynamic presence. His deep-rooted bond with the sport began at an early age. From elementary through high school, he never missed a single game. After entering college, he became a key player on his school's basketball team, routinely scoring 30 points in a single game. His accurate three-pointers, mid-court shots, and buzzer-beaters always impressed the audience.

However, during one playoff of a college cup, he realized that personal highlights couldn't secure victory, as over-dominating the ball made it hard for teammates to collaborate. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, Lio began studying tactics and shared his decade of practical experience and skills with his teammates.

Thanks to excellent collaboration, they advanced to the finals. Although they narrowly missed the championship trophy, the chants of "MVP" echoing from the stands became a moment of glory for the entire team.

Basketball isn't Lio's only passion. He also enjoys team activities like volleyball and dragon boat racing. For him, teams provide a sense of belonging, and the thrill of victories can always keep him animated.

Despite shining on the court, Lio admitted that his journey in finance hadn't been smooth. He chose the major largely because he believed it would benefit his future development, not purely out of passion. Like many of his peers, he felt pressure when facing challenging courses, but he knew that to achieve his life goals, he must persevere right to the very end.

He soon found his own rhythm and balance. For instance, when he shared complex financial formulas or models on social media, he received many likes and comments, which fueled his joy for exploration. More importantly, he gradually discovered the charm of finance. Practical experience during internships helped him further appreciate the breadth, applicability, and value-creating potential of his major.

When talking about the people he most appreciated, Lio first mentioned his teacher Zhang Jian, who often pointed out his shortcomings directly and cared about his growth. He also expressed gratitude to his seniors and roommates for their invaluable friendship and companionship.

"It's normal to feel a little lost before graduation," Lio said. "What matters is staying true to your inner choices and moving forward with determination. Focusing on the present and doing what needs to be done is the best life plan."

In the next two years, Lio plans to pursue a postgraduate degree at SUFE. He hopes to carry the same courage, resolve, and sense of responsibility he displayed on the basketball court while embracing a new chapter in life.

Source: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE"