News and Events
- Fully-funded PhD opportunity in Transformations to Sustainability
- CDIC students top winners of the 29th "21st Century Cup" National English-Speaking Competition
- CDIC Design Studio established
- Visiting PhD Student Huitian Liu Publishes Research on Electric Vehicles
- Quiz: solution to good class attendance
- Students 2024 Welcome!
- Knowing the City: Unveiling the Planning and Development of Xi’an and Beyond CDIC-TCPEP Lecture Series
- Four CDIC EAP teachers successfully completed the Professional Certificate in TESOL
- Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities - Li Yansen
- Embracing challenges - journey of Zou Jiangyu
- My journey at CDIC - Cao Danning
- Balancing Passion, Academics, and Personal Growth – Feng Junkai
- Joy of Learning and Building Connections – Zhao Haiyi
- Debate on my experience - Wang Li
- Passion, Learning, and Balance – Liu Hanyang
- Dr Caterina Villani finalist for the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2024
- We welcome new Autumn UCD/CDIC teacher
- CDIC Graduates, Congratulations
- CDIC English Teachers Visit UCD
- President of Chang'an University visited UCD
- Dr Yunpeng Zhang on seeing China from Europe
- AE class visit to car manufacturing factory in Xi'an
- And the UCD Innovation Award goes to... Dr Nan Zhang
- Bridge the Rent Gap conference
- UCD delegation visited HAUST
- Spring in CDIC
- CDIC Warriors
- St Paddy's Day celebration in CDIC
- CDIC English teachers got their TESOL certificates
- We welcome CHD PhD student Huitian Liu
- Exploring Street Experiments in High Density Urban Asia
- Dr Luke Kelleher on barriers, drivers and potential for innovation
- Automotive Design Competition 2023
- Our teachers celebrating new CDIC students
- New Automotive Engineering teacher joins CDIC
- Design 2 Bridge Design Competition
- Faculty & Students Experience Sharing
- Dr Nan Zhang recognised as 2023 Rising Star
- We welcome our new Automotive Engineering lecturer
- Dr Ana Peric Momcilovic honoured with the Gerd Albers Award
- Inspiring journey across borders
- Welcome Freshers!
- Welcome to the Academic Year 2023-2024
- New teacher welcomed for the new academic year
- Dr Nan Zhang revolutionises point-of-care diagnostics & the biopharmaceutical industry with Microfluidics
- First CDIC Student finishes her programme in Dublin
- 2023 CDIC Graduation Ceremony
- CDIC English Teachers Visit Dublin
- TCPEP Teachers' First Experience of CDIC
- We Welcome New TCPEP Teacher Caterina Villani
- CDIC Funded Student Presenting in Oxford
- Follow Your Passion - Interview with CDIC Student
- Meet the CATs!
- CDIC Students Performing on the Roof
- We Met to Talk About Irish Culture
- CDIC Students Learning How to Play Tin Whistle
- The Very First CATs Workshop
- UCD wins the Asia Matters 2022 Higher Education Partnership
- CDIC Welcomes a New Teacher
- CDIC English Teachers to Present at the BALEAP Conference 2023
- Boom, Bust & Future of China's Real Estate Sector Podcast with Dr Yunpeng Zhang
- Dr Nan Zhang runner-up of 2022 UCD Research Impact Case Study Competition
Balancing passion and personal growth – Feng Junkai
Friday, 26 July, 2024
Student: Feng Junkai
Major: Automotive Engineering
Stage: 3
City: Zhengzhou
Navigating through the maze of college life, every student encounters moments that shape their future. For me, design taught by Dr. Jufan has been great experience. The excitement of creating cheer models and transforming theoretical concepts into practical applications was a thrill I had never anticipated.
Another cornerstone of my academic journey is Mechanics of Fluids with Dr. Sajid. His approachability and support have been invaluable. No matter how many questions I have, Dr. Sajid always finds time to answer them, guiding me through the complexities of the subject.
Beyond academics, my love for sports like table tennis and dancing, coupled with a knack for competitions, has enriched my college experience. Participating in math and car model competitions has not only been exhilarating but also instrumental in reinforcing my academic knowledge. Competitions challenge me to think critically and apply what I've learned in real-world scenarios.
However, not all aspects of college life are as enjoyable. The pressure of exams consumes most of my free time, leaving little room for leisure. Reflecting on my time in Stage 1, I remember the freedom to socialise and enjoy life with friends. Now, with demanding modules like Mechanics and Automotive Electrical Fundamentals, my days are packed with academic responsibilities.
Stage 3 marks a pivotal point in my educational journey, where crucial decisions about the future loom. Despite the challenges, I find solace in my progress, particularly in improving my English and mastering essential life skills like cooking and laundry. College life has been a transformative experience, teaching me independence and self-reliance—qualities my parents nurtured during high school.
Yet, the path isn't always smooth. Balancing complex relationships with friends, classmates, and roommates can be daunting. These interactions, while sometimes challenging.
Looking ahead, the summer brings exciting prospects. I plan to join the Beihang University summer camp, a stepping stone towards becoming a postgraduate. Concurrently, preparing for the IELTS test is high on my agenda. I also look forward to visiting my relatives in Beijing, with my bike in tow, ready for new adventures. Exploring Beijing on two wheels, I hope to find companions to join me on these rides.
Travel aspirations don't end there. Dreams of visiting Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and eventually the US, if finances permit, fuel my motivation. These travels promise new experiences and insights, broadening my horizons beyond the academic realm.