A transcultural odyssey in education

Xinran Liu was born and raised in the historical city of Xi'an, China. An artist at heart, she developed a deep connection with Guzheng, a Chinese zither with 2500 years of history, which she began playing at age five. This passion for creative expression played a central role in shaping her pursuit of higher education.

In 2019, Xinran made the brave leap to Aotearoa New Zealand, initially residing in Dunedin to undertake a study and career preparation certificate. However, the transition wasn't without its hurdles. In her initial year, she grappled with culture shock, homesickness, and a struggle to form a social network.

Deciding to transform these challenges into opportunities, she applied to numerous universities, including Massey University's Auckland campus, attracted by its multicultural environment. When she received Massey's offer just before Christmas, she didn't hesitate for a second.

"I remember the elation I felt that day - it meant I could move to Auckland and continue my academic journey for the next three years!" Xinran reflects.

At Massey, Xinran pursued a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in expressive arts and media studies with a minor in digital marketing. Her love for human connection and her talent for visual storytelling were key drivers in this decision. Furthermore, she was drawn to the dynamic world of digital marketing, mainly due to the engaging and insightful professors at the Massey Business School.

Xinran navigated significant challenges throughout her academic journey, particularly critical thinking and language barriers. Yet, she learned to tackle these difficulties by employing effective time management strategies, breaking down big assignments into manageable sections, and turning to her international friends for cultural and linguistic insights.

Xinran is grateful for her supportive family, especially her mother, who instilled in her the importance of decision-making and encouraged her to live life without regrets.

Xinran was a student representative for the Bachelor of Communication program at the Auckland campus, where she represented all BC students and formed lasting friendships. Upon graduation, she took up a role in Massey's Student Development team, adding another achievement to her impressive journey.

As a Massey graduate and staff member, Xinran is now keen to expand her knowledge and experience in the educational industry. She plans to balance her work at Massey with a part-time Master's degree, ultimately aiming to achieve a PhD.