Back to Schoool - After 20 Years

It feels like a lifetime ago—20 years after finishing my bachelor's, I find myself crossing 10,000 kilometers, traveling from China to Gothenburg, Sweden.

Here, I’ve embarked on a truly extraordinary and unpredictable adventure of learning. 

As I look back on the past 15 months, a flood of emotions washes over me. I’m certain this will forever remain an unforgettable chapter of my life—one that brings tears to my eyes. The start of this journey symbolized courage and fearlessness, while its end marks the place where my youthful days will forever rest in Gothenburg. 

You must be curious about how, after 20 years as a professional, I managed to leave the workplace, return to campus, and embark on this learning journey while overcoming language and cultural barriers.

Balancing study and life in an organized way truly required immense confidence, patience, determination, and the unwavering support and encouragement of those around me.

I’d like to share my thoughts from two perspectives: Coursework and Campus Life.

Coursework

Our program leans heavily toward theoretical content, so while the material wasn’t particularly difficult to comprehend, preparing for the first-year mandatory exams was definitely a test of focus and effective study methods. I highly recommend incorporating repeated readings of academic papers into your exam preparation. Memorizing key points from the literature can be incredibly helpful for tackling exam questions.

Additionally, collaborative learning with classmates is a game-changer. Forming study groups to discuss exam topics, exchange insights, and even predict questions, which allows everyone to play to their strengths and significantly boosts preparation efficiency.

Beyond exams, it’s crucial to identify your interests and focus areas within your field during the first year. For me, it was through the Digital Tools for Communication and Learning course in my program that I discovered the fascinating application of AI in adaptive systems, thanks to Johan's introduction. I followed up by asking the professor for recommendations and delved into five key papers on cutting-edge advancements in this area, which set the stage for my independent exploration. 

Campus Life

Campus life serves as an essential support system and complement to academic learning. I fondly remember how, after every class or exam, my classmates and I would seize the opportunity to have relaxed yet meaningful discussions. These exchanges allowed us to share insights and valuable information, creating a highly effective way to broaden our knowledge.

This experience is particularly beneficial for first-year students, as it’s during this time that bonds are formed, and information is most freely shared. By the second year, many classmates are scattered across various locations for internships or enrolled in different elective courses.

That’s why the first year is a golden period for building relationships and fostering a supportive, collaborative community. 

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, when I look back, I do feel moments of regret about the decisions I've made. Just like the books say: life is full of dreams, but the price of achieving them can be steep. An extraordinary journey always demands extraordinary patience and perseverance. I didn’t want to look back one day and regret giving up, so I chose to keep going.

Along the way, I’ve been blessed with incredible friends, a life I’ve carefully nurtured, and this peaceful, beautifully distinct city filled with small moments of joy that never fail to move me.

I hope my experience can offer some encouragement to you. When you stand at a crossroads in life, yearning for change, don’t rush or panic. Instead, take steady steps toward the path that brings you happiness and feels right to you.

Wishing you the best ✨

Grace