As China marked its 42nd Teachers’ Day this September, the Master of Science in Global Health (MSc-GH) program at Duke Kunshan University brought together first- and second-year students, faculty members, and staff from the Office of Career Services for a special gathering.
The event offered a warm space for students and faculty to connect, share experiences, and express their appreciation for teachers.
01 | One Classroom, Two Chapters of the Same Journey
For first-year students, the gathering came as a timely opportunity to better understand the road ahead.
Marwa Mouzahim shared that the event gave her a clearer picture of the program’s structure, timeline, and key milestones. “We also got to meet professors, senior students, and career development staff. It was probably the most memorable Teachers’ Day I’ve ever experienced,” she said.
For Sinuo Tan, the discussions helped clarify aspects of academic research that had previously felt unfamiliar. Chengjun Zhang echoed this sentiment, noting that the detailed guidance went beyond expectations. “The explanations were so thorough that they answered questions we hadn’t even thought to ask. I feel much more confident about what lies ahead,” he shared.
For second-year students, the gathering was a gentle reminder of their own beginnings at DKU.
“Seeing the first-year students reminded me of myself sitting in the same classroom a year ago,” recalled Jingya Han. Over the past year, the uncertainties of starting graduate school had gradually given way to greater confidence and a clearer sense of direction. Throughout that journey, the guidance of faculty and the support of peers had remained invaluable. “On this Teachers’ Day, I wish all our professors a wonderful celebration and continued success in their academic pursuits,” Han added.
02 | Learning from Experience: Conversations Across Cohorts
During the coffee break, conversations naturally shifted from initial impressions of the program to longer-term academic and professional aspirations.
One key topic was how to choose a faculty advisor whose research interests and mentoring style align with a student’s future goals. “When selecting an advisor, it’s important to consider how their approach fits your own plans,” shared Tingwei Li. “Some professors encourage independent exploration, while others prefer more structured guidance. Neither is inherently better—what matters is finding a mentor whose style supports your growth and helps you move toward your goals.”
The discussion also touched on preparation for further academic study. Sinuo Tan, who plans to pursue a PhD after her master’s degree, was especially interested in what students could do during the program to prepare for doctoral research. She asked second-year students how their first year had shaped their understanding of academic development and career planning.
Drawing on her own experience, Tingwei Li emphasized the role of faculty mentorship in building research skills and preparing for advanced study. “A supportive advisor can make a real difference in your research development. The right mentorship helps you build a strong foundation and identify your research direction early. Taking advantage of research opportunities during the master’s program can also prepare you for the demands of doctoral work and strengthen your future applications,” she explained.
Though the gathering lasted only one afternoon, it reflected the warmth and sense of community that define the MSc-GH program. Faculty members offered guidance, students shared experiences, and across cohorts, knowledge and inspiration passed from one hand to the next.
As the saying goes, teachers light the way, and students carry the torch forward. At DKU, the story of global health continues—written anew by each generation of learners.
Group Photo from the MSc-GH Student-Faculty Gathering
Translator | Yijie Nan; Wenxiao Chen
Layout | Wenxiao Chen