Participating in the AELC was an intense yet deeply rewarding journey that unfolded across Nanjing and Seoul. From the very beginning, this program felt like a marathon—nine days of full schedules, continuous discussions, and collaborative work—but it was precisely this intensity that made the experience so meaningful. Learning alongside participants from diverse educational, cultural, and national backgrounds reminded me of the true value of international and collaborative education.

During the Korea University session, our days were filled with lectures, group discussions, and project-based learning. Working in teams with participants from different universities, I was constantly inspired by the openness, professionalism, and mutual respect everyone brought into the learning space. Despite our differences in academic training and personal experiences, we were able to communicate effectively, exchange perspectives, and build trust through cooperation. This process demonstrated how diversity, when embraced with empathy and curiosity, can become a powerful source of collective growth.

The Nanjing session added another layer of richness to this experience. Returning to Nanjing Normal University felt both familiar and new. The rhythm of attending classes, engaging in group assignments, sharing meals in the cafeteria, and continuing discussions after class evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, as if I were reliving a long-lost chapter of university life. Simple moments—celebrating a friend’s birthday, walking across campus in the early morning and at dusk, listening to birds at Suiyuan—created a learning environment that was not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally grounding.

What left the deepest impression on me was the warmth and sincerity of the people involved. The faculty members guided us with patience and encouragement, while participants supported one another generously, both academically and personally. Through countless conversations, I found myself repeatedly reflecting on a fundamental life question: “Who am I?” Receiving small gifts and handwritten cards may seem like minor gestures, yet they carried profound meaning, reminding me that education is ultimately about human connection. These moments made learning feel alive and deeply personal.

By the end of the program, all academic credits were completed, but more importantly, lasting friendships were formed and perspectives were expanded. The Asia Education Leader Course did more than enhance my academic understanding; it reaffirmed my belief in education as a shared, relational, and transformative process. This journey—from Nanjing to Korea—will remain a defining memory in my life, one that continues to shape how I understand learning, leadership, and myself.