Learning Chinese can be challenging, but the rewards can be immense for those who put in the hard work and dedication. One such example of an excellent college student is Michelle Anoba, becoming fluent in Chinese has been a personal interest and aim. She recently accomplished something remarkable: she received a perfect score on the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, also known as the Chinese Proficiency Exam Level 3. The HSK examinations are standardized assessments that examine non-native speakers' Chinese language skills. They are classified into six levels, as the level increases, the mastery becomes deeper. Michelle enrolled in a Chinese language program at the University of Caloocan City. She has four Chinese classes to attend every week and puts in another effort by studying on her own using online resources, textbooks, and practice tests. "I knew that if I wanted to pass the HSK exams, I had to put in a lot of extra effort," she explained. She established a goal for herself to pass all the Chinese Proficiency exams she has to take. During her first year in college, she took the HSK Level 2 exam and received a perfect score, but it does not make her proud, instead more diligent and motivated. She continued to study hard and dedicated herself to learning the language. Her diligence paid off when she took the HSK Level 3 exam in her second year and achieved another perfect score. "It was an amazing feeling to see my scores, I had worked so hard, and it was great to see my efforts pay off," Michelle said.

In recognition of Michelle’s achievement, Huaqiao University awarded her a certificate of commendation for her outstanding performance on the HSK exams and for being a model student. "It was such an honor to receive the certificate. It's a validation of all the hard work I've put in over the past few semesters," Michelle said. In return, she expressed her gratitude to the two universities. She mentioned that she’s grateful for providing her the opportunity to study Chinese through the Chinese Credit course project. She explained how the training has aided her in developing her language abilities and achieving academic achievement.

So what is Michelle's secret to success? it is a combination of practice, perseverance, and passion. She said "I practiced every day, even if it was just for a few minutes. I also never gave up, even when I faced challenges or setbacks. And most importantly, I have a deep passion for the Chinese language and culture, and that has kept me motivated throughout my journey." As a non-native speaker of Chinese, she faces unique challenges in learning the language. The writing system, grammar, and syntax are vastly different from English, and mastering the language requires putting more effort and dedication. Furthermore, with a full course load of English subjects, finding time to study and practice the language was a constant issue. "It was definitely a balancing act of time and effort," Michelle said. "I had to balance my Chinese studies with my other classes, which wasn't easy, but I was determined to succeed."

Michelle's success also inspired her to set new goals. She is now working towards passing the HSK Level 4 exam and hopes to achieve a perfect score once again. She is confident that with hard work and dedication, she can achieve this goal. "My success on the HSK exams has motivated me to keep learning and perfecting the language, I want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go," Michelle said.

Michelle’s story is an inspiration to anyone who is learning a new language. It shows that with dedication, hard work, and the right mindset, anyone can achieve their goals. Her success is not just a personal accomplishment but also a reflection of the quality of education and support provided by her university. As Michelle continues on her language learning journey, she serves as a model for other students and a reminder that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. "Getting a perfect score on the HSK levels 2 and 3 is a great achievement for me, but I believe that it is not the sole basis of one's language proficiency; what is more important is the effort and dedication that one puts into learning the language." It takes a lot of hard work and determination to reach this level, and I am proud of what I have accomplished so far; however, there is still more to learn and improve, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead." - Michelle Anoba