BU Market Student Story: Lee Ling

Mix & Match: Adaptability Served Daily!

 

Produced by Lee Ling | HK to Zhuhai Culinary Fusion Alchemist

 

A Bag of Rice: Mixing New Flavours into a Familiar Staple

Rice is a universal staple, but its flavor is shaped by local ingredients and traditions. Arriving from Hong Kong to ESP at BNBU Zhuhai, I was just as plain—fixed in my ways. Immersing myself in new cultures and challenges dramatically transformed my communication, collaboration, and outlook.

 

Absorbing the Local Mix
Zhuhai, despite being close to Hong Kong, offered a calm, beachside lifestyle and vibrant night markets. The campus was a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and a journey to Xinjiang expanded my perspective even further.

 

Steaming Through Academic Hurdles
My law course’s heavy memorization overwhelmed me until Dr. Tsui used relatable examples—even Mr. Bean clips—to spark my interest. German exchange students showed me the value of asking questions, inspiring me to confidently participate in class and conversations.

 

Adapting the Recipe
My Mandarin was poor, but persistence and patient locals helped me grow. In PE, we overcame group disagreements by adopting a simple dance routine and customizing solo parts for talented teammates.

What began as anxiety became milestones. This experience taught me adaptability and creative problem-solving. I return home more curious, confident, and ready for any challenge.