Authored by Jason Xu and YT Wong (FEIT iAmbassadors).
As an international student studying in Australia, it is not easy overcoming various hurdles in life on a daily basis. For Henry, an international student alumnus from China who studied Biomedical Engineering at UTS and from UTS College, his experience is no different.
Using three words to describe himself, he is a warm-hearted, reliable and cat-like person. In his spare time, he loves traveling and discovering new cultures and cuisines. He is passionate about traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, his favorite drink being black tea, and enjoys gaming, particularly with Genshin Impact. His favourite place to go on campus is the Universal Cafe in Building 6, and he especially loves their pork & beef Caesar salad.
Finding a community through volunteering
Coming from China, Henry started his journey at UTS College in 2020 in the peak of the COVID pandemic. Without any confidence in English, lockdowns certainly did not help to improve his English skills. Despite this, he received significant help from the staff at UTS College, who gave him a supportive environment and practical opportunities to improve his English conversational skills.
One of these opportunities was volunteering. “After volunteer work, my English speaking and listening has improved significantly” he recalled. Henry instantly fell in love with the volunteering experience, joining the volunteer team with the UTS Peer Network program, he was embraced by the volunteering team. “We were like family.”
Life mottos and motivations
The path you take shapes the person you become.
Henry Mou
This motto is something Henry lives by and is close to his heart, it taught him to embrace every opportunity and challenge with an open mind and heart, it grounds him and keeps him motivated. “Every experience gathered along the way shape me into a better version of myself”, he recalls.
He describes his family as his greatest source of inspiration and strength. Henry’s family has been his unwavering support system instilling the importance of perseverance, empathy, and staying true to one’s principle. “They are, without a doubt, my greatest role models for my personal and professional growth”.
Embracing personal culture through sharing
Henry found a special way to leverage his passion for education and traditional Chinese Culture at the Traditional Chinese Culture Association (TCCA) from ActivateUTS. His deep passion for sharing and preserving Chinese tea culture led him to become the Vice-President of the society. “I promoted the rich traditions of Chinese tea-making and tasting.”
As Vice-President, he organised and hosted events and activities that celebrated traditional Chinese festivals, such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These events were not only a way to bring together society members but an opportunity to engage the wider UTS community in educating the beauty of Henry’s cultural heritage.
Partnering with the president and the exec team, we were able to create memorable experiences that fostered a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture among students.
Henry Mou
From volunteering to professional growth
Volunteering at UTS was more than just a way to give back, it became a pathway to professional growth. After graduating from UTS College, Henry did not give up his passion for volunteering. He actively took on volunteering roles and opportunities, eventually becoming a lead volunteer of the FEIT iSupport team by FEIT Engagement. “I had a great time at iSupport, working with the program coordinators Jason and Sarah was amazing.” Henry has since been offered a paid role as an FEIT iAmbassador, in recognition of his dedication and professionalism.
Reflecting on his study journey and looking onward
During his time at UTS, Henry’s study path offered him an invaluable chance to help and connect with multicultural individuals to adapt to life in Sydney. This experience gave him a huge sense of achievement and fulfillment. Looking back, these experiences shaped a better Henry with developed skills, character and personal growth.
I might have considered studying education from the start, as it aligns with my passion for student services now. However, it’s hard to say what could have been better. Life leads us where we’re meant to be, and I’m grateful for the path that brought me here.
Henry Mou
Looking onward, his goal is to use his experiences and insights to continue working in student service to help more international students navigate the challenges in their studies and lives.
Simple tips for future success
At UTS, Henry has learned many key lessons with tips he is eager to share:
- Ignore language gaps: “Talk with someone, especially staff and academics. Don’t be afraid or shy. Everyone is from different countries, and no one will judge your English.”
- Stand up for yourself: “Express what you want and always reach out for help. The university community is here to support you.”
- Be open-minded: “Practice new skills and embrace the opportunities like volunteering that come your way.”
