Hello! I’m Yang Xiaoyu, from the School of Education Science in Nanjing Normal University. Participating in the Asia Education Leader Course (AELC) has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my graduate life. This program provided me with valuable opportunities to engage in academic exploration, cross-cultural dialogue, and personal reflection. Through collaborative learning and international exchange, I not only deepened my understanding of education but also discovered new perspectives on innovation, ethics, and leadership.

From an academic perspective, AELC significantly broadened my professional knowledge and global vision. Through courses such as “Becoming Critical Global Citizens: Building a Better World Starts with You and Me,” “School Governance in a Global Context and in Asia,” and “Futures of Education for a Sustainable Asia-Pacific,” I gained a clearer understanding of how different educational systems respond to challenges such as equity, innovation, and sustainability. These lectures taught me that educational reform must link policy design with students’ lived experiences. My presentation on “Reconstruction of Assignment Design Patterns Based on Generative AI in the Digital Intelligence Era” further allowed me to integrate theoretical research with practical classroom application, exploring how generative AI can support individualized learning while upholding ethical responsibility. This process strengthened my ability to think critically and conduct research independently.

Beyond academic learning, AELC provided an authentic space for cultural understanding and personal growth. During the AELC 2025 Summer Program, held at Korea University from August 11 to 20, 2025, I worked with students and professors on topics including comparative education, international large-scale assessment data (PISA and TIMSS), and global educational transformation. Analyzing international datasets helped me see that data represent not just numbers but real stories behind students’ learning environments. Through group collaboration, I improved my data literacy and communication skills, learned to express complex ideas in English more confidently, and built strong friendships across cultures. This journey transformed anxiety into confidence and connection into insight.

On a personal level, AELC reshaped my understanding of education’s essence. I realized that while technology and innovation can enhance learning, education must always remain grounded in humanity, empathy, and fairness. I learned to balance analytical thinking with emotional understanding and to see education as a process of shared growth between teachers and learners. This program encouraged me to become not only a participant in academic dialogue but also a contributor to educational practice and reflection.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring how generative AI can be ethically applied to promote equitable and student-centered learning. I aspire to become an educational researcher with global vision, ethical awareness, and practical ability, using wisdom and compassion to support children’s growth and contribute to educational innovation with integrity.

To future AELC participants, I sincerely encourage you to embrace this journey with curiosity and courage. You will not only gain academic knowledge and global perspectives but also empathy, confidence, and enduring friendships. The AELC experience will inspire you to think deeply, act responsibly, and pursue education with both intellect and heart.