Editor’s note: This article is part of “Graduation 2025” series, which features select graduates recapping their journey through PKU as they look forward to the future.



Peking University, June 24, 2025: As I stand on the precipice of graduation, reflecting on my five-year journey as a research-oriented Ph.D. student in the Department of Cardiology of Peking University First Hospital, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and joy. 

The warmth and camaraderie of our research group have been the cornerstone of my academic life. Under the mentorship of the delightful and witty Professor Zhang Yan, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a vibrant group of senior and junior fellow students who have become an extension of my family. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my academic success and personal growth.

In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in a summer school program at the University of Alberta in Canada. This experience was a significant chapter in my academic journey. I immersed myself in a different educational environment, learning about global health issues and engaging with peers from around the world. The program was enriching, offering a diverse curriculum that included lectures on Canada's healthcare system, rural medicine, and innovative medical practices. I was particularly struck by the emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare, which broadened my perspective on medical research and practice.



The recent graduation party for me on the playground featured a unique performance. My senior and junior fellow students, as well as my good friends, joined me in playing the guitar and ukulele while we sang together. We also played with bubble machines, toasted to our achievements, and captured memories that will last a lifetime. It was a moment of pure happiness, a celebration of not just my graduation but also the relationships that have made my journey at PKU so enriching.

Beyond scientific research, my involvement in the Office of Global Communications of PKU has been a significant part of my university life. It has been more than just a club, it has been a second home where I've spent the longest period of my time. Writing articles, participating in events both on and off campus, and organizing team-building hikes have been highlights of my extracurricular activities. The friendships I've forged, particularly with Tao Pu, a Ph.D. student from the Law School, have added another layer of richness to my PKU story.

As I look back on these years, I realize that the most valuable lessons I've learned are not just the scientific knowledge but also the importance of community, collaboration, and the power of shared experiences. The friendships and memories I've made will undoubtedly stay with me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

This chapter closes, but the memories and lessons will forever be a part of who I am. Thank you, PKU, for an unforgettable journey.

Written by: Chen Chuyun
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo by: Courtsy of author