From the campus news agency at Beijing International Studies University (BISU) to the global stage of the Paris Olympics' International Broadcast Center, Liu Ruochen from the School of Interpreting and Translation has proven that passion can withstand the test of time.

Liu takes a photo when working as a volunteer for the second anniversary celebration of the Beijing Winter Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Museum.

Liu built an outstanding undergraduate record—with 31 articles published at mainstream media platforms, numerous accolades like the National Scholarship, the Beijing Outstanding Student Cadre award, and consecutive First-Class Academic Scholarship, which secured her admission offers from prestigious institutions, most notably the University of Cambridge.

"BISU has instilled in me the confidence to share China's stories with the world and bring global wonders back to BISU," Liu expressed.

Reflecting on her university journey, Liu stated, "Joining the Xiangyu Oriental News Agency was a significant decision in my university life." She recalled meeting a mentor from the agency: "We had a wonderful conversation, and I vividly remember the invitation: 'Ruochen, would you like to join our journalism team?' Despite my nerves, I told myself, 'I should embrace this challenge and transform my weaknesses into strengths.'"

At the agency, Liu received detailed guidance from her mentors. "Every article I wrote was met with prompt feedback," she recounted. "I spent entire afternoons in the office, where my mentors taught me to write more insightful articles and connect with interviewees." This experience helped her realize that every line she wrote was a bridge for the world to understand China—"A compelling Chinese story can begin with a simple campus news article."

With the mentors' advice, Liu's writing skills improved, and she gradually found her own language style.

But beyond the number of 31 articles Liu published in mainstream media lay a series of intense, timed challenges. She smiled when reflecting on this period, describing the demanding routine of her news agency work: receiving assignments on a Friday for a Saturday deadline, and adapting instantly to last-minute interview arrangements—a true test of professional composure under pressure.

She recounted a particularly challenging interview organized by China Youth Daily. With only a weekend to prepare, Liu and her team coordinated interviews with eight universities. Despite the tight schedule and heavy workload, everyone persevered. After two days and nights of intensive collaboration, their article was reprinted by 78 media outlets. This experience taught her that when the vibrancy of Chinese university student organizations is presented vividly and objectively, the world sees the energy of Chinese youth.

Reflecting on her internship journey, Liu shared, "Initially, I explored various internships and volunteer activities. Once I discovered my interests, I focused on pursuing higher-quality and more prestigious internships."

Starting out is often the hardest part. "Regardless of the outcome, I applied for every volunteer or internship position without hesitation. Whether they accepted me or not, I applied first!" This mindset helped her secure valuable opportunities, including an internship at the Paris Olympics. She emphasized, "Taking the first step is important, but real growth depends on steady and solid progress at every stage."

"During the Olympics, I truly appreciated the global perspective of media work and realized there is still much to learn." At the Paris Olympics, Liu worked in the Archives Department of the International Broadcast Center (IBC). Her days were spent organizing materials for global Olympic broadcasts, while evenings were dedicated to filming bilingual vlogs with fellow in the news agency. Late at night, she would return to her accommodation to work on her drafts. Despite battling a high fever and long hours, she viewed this demanding schedule as a resilience test—"The School of Interpreting and Translation taught me not only bilingual proficiency but also the resilience to adapt anywhere."

Liu works at the IBC Archives Department.

At a small Sri Lankan shop near the metro station, the owner insisted on waiving the bill upon learning she was from China, saying, "China helped us, we are family." She greeted her Arab friends in Arabic, and they responded in Chinese with "Ni hao", leading to shared laughter. She distributed 30 "small and beautiful" Chinese gifts, such as badges and panda-themed items, and received greeting cards and hugs in return. "When language and goodwill combine, 'Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together' becomes more than a slogan; it transforms into genuine warmth," she said.

Before returning to China, she categorized and archived hundreds of street interview materials and collaborated with the China Youth Daily team to edit them into a six-episode series titled "Watching the Olympics in Paris".

Liu also volunteered at the second anniversary celebration of the Beijing Winter Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Museum.

"Try everything!"—Liu summarized her university years with this phrase. Now, she adds, "Bridge everything!"—bridging languages, cultures, and hearts. From BISU to Cambridge, every step she has taken confirms that when personal dreams align with the era's theme of "telling China's story well," even the smallest idea can grow into a cross-cultural journey.