[Editor’s note] In Huzhou University, just around us, there are always some shining teachers and students forging ahead with confidence and fortitude. They take practical actions to inherit the spirit of the university motto, resuming the glory and dream of Huzhou University people in their ordinary posts. The website, newspaper and official micro blog of this university have launched the “Praise for HU people” column together, focusing on the outstanding teams or individual teachers and students, to excavate excellent deeds and provide examples and guidance. The 4th issue launched today: Thiam Habib—“Fisherman” African boy and his dream of youth entrepreneurship.

　　▲Thiam Habib

Thiam Habib, born in 1995, is from the west African country of Guinea. In 2019, he enrolled in the School of Life Sciences of Huzhou University pursuing his master’s degree in Aquatic Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction.

Studying in a different place, I hope to have a bright future

When he first came to Huzhou, he was faced with a completely new field. The unfamiliar environment and language made him worried, too. But with a lively and sociable personality, Thiam quickly adapted to his surroundings.

“Since the day I started ‘travelling’ here, I have learned a lot and am still learning, from all aspects of culture, language and so on.”

The time at the university is joyous and Thiam loves every subject he studies. The patient guidance of the teachers and the warm care of the classmates creates a convenient and comfortable environment for him to study and live in. “My tutor, Dr. Kong Youqin, often gives me many valuable and constructive ideas. She is so generous with her time, which gives me great  encouragement!” 

Studying far away from home, Thiam sometimes feels lonely and frustrated. But he finds it a rich life experience. He enjoys the good times and makes peace with the bad. “Setbacks give me the strength to move forward!” he said.

After two years’ study, Thiam became so interested in the Chinese language that in July 2021, he additionally applied for the HU Chinese Programme to continue studying Chinese at the International School.

 ▲Thiam in class

take actions and hold dreams sincerely

While studying in Huzhou University, Thiam participates in the Huzhou Aquaculture Project. This project aims to demonstrate the advancement of photovoltaic technology in aquaculture to develop fish production. Thiam is happy that after several years of study, his theoretical knowledge can finally be put into practice.

Every morning this spring, Thiam would ride his small scooter and go to Xingxingang Farm, which is 15 kilometers away from the university, to start a day of learning koi carp-raising. In the 3,000 square meters of modern intelligent aquatic base, Thiam was busy watching carps, measuring water, controlling equipment, and managing ponds with his tutors. Active in various fish ponds, he worked hard to learn professional breeding knowledge and feeding techniques.

“There is an old Chinese saying ‘It is better to teach one to fish than to give him a fish.’ I have studied hard in the past two years. If I could obtain and complete the doctoral programme, my goal of becoming a fisherman in China will be realized,” Thiam said. On the south bank of Taihu Lake, which has a long history of fisheries and aquaculture, he sees the world’s earliest artificial ecological circular aquaculture model, i.e. mulberry fish ponds, and sees the prospects of the aquaculture industry, coupled with the support of China’s advanced aquaculture technology and experience. His confidence in learning has been strengthened.

“People in my country like to eat fish, but the level of aquaculture is not high. Eating fish relies mostly on luck: depending on whether people could catch wild fish on the sea.” He cherishes this great learning opportunity and makes big efforts. In his spare time, he often goes to the library to read aquatic-related books.

“The young man is diligent and studious. He is also very smart. When verbal communication didn’t go smoothly, he could read the intention with a look or movement and then use it in the next exercise.” said base chief Li Yifan.

Although what Thiam studies is mainly koi farming, the refined farming techniques have not only helped him understand fish habits, but also enabled him to exchange traditional aquaculture experience with many local “fishing bosses”. After studying in China for four years, he becomes interested in freshwater aquaculture technology, which has strengthened his entrepreneurial goal of learning Chinese technology and experience to develop the aquaculture industry in his mother country.

▲ Thiam learns freshwater aquaculture technology

Embrace challenges and set sail from here

“In the school cafeteria, international student Thiam is making dumplings with his classmates. Although he is not skilled, he enjoys it.” Over the years, he has been fascinated by cultural activities that incorporate traditional Chinese customs, such as writing “good luck” characters and making dumplings. In his spare time, Thiam also actively participates in various activities organized by his school. In addition to serving as the Dormitory Minister and the Health Minister of the International Student Union, he is also versatile in various competitions and sports activities. He won the third prize in the “Internet +” competition, performed singing and dancing in the New Year show, raced dragon boats in the city’s water carnival....

Among all these activities, he was most impressed by the experience of participating in the school sports meeting phalanx. “In the phalanx, my classmates and I had the opportunity to wear the distinctive costumes of our respective countries, hold the national flags of different countries, and show the cultural style of different countries to everyone.” He felt it was a wonderful spark of cultural collision and it brought students of different colors and languages closer.

In his spare time, Thiam often explores interesting corners of the school. Deqing Lake on the East Campus is his favorite place to visit. When he is tired, he sometimes sits idly by the lake or strolls by it, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. He also watches the swans and fish swimming in the lake, by which he often feels amused.

Thiam sometimes goes out of the campus and enjoys walking in the city. “I have fallen deeply in love with Huzhou. I am fond of its development and beautiful scenery. It has become my second home.”

▲ Thiam attends a water carnival

Student Reporter, University News Agency: Pan Shanshan