Saturday, April 07, 2007

Neo named 'International Student of the Year'

Of more than 2000 over-seas students across the UK, our very own Yu Huai Zhang has been named 'International Student of the Year'. More familiar by his English name, Neo was awarded the title for demonstrating "the power of positive thinking and involvement in wide-ranging activities outside the academic arena".

Having detailed his experience of life in Northern Ireland in a letter to his father in China he explained that the decision to study at Queen's has "paved my way to a bright future allowing me to shine". Neo has played an active part in the Union during his four years studying Management in Belfast and ran for President during the recent sabbatical elections.

The award is a recognition of the many achievements Neo has had while living here. He was the first Chinese national to be installed as a student officer at the University, was voted best newcomer by staff at Invest NI in 2006 where he spent a year on placement and has even translated a prisoner's handbook into Mandarin and Cantonese.

In an interview with Good Morning Ulster, Neo revealed that Queen's long and established history as a leading University in the UK was an influential reason for deciding to study here...as well as a love of 'the black stuff' of course!

14 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Total Legend!!

4/07/2007 2:39 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This story is remarkably similar to the one i read on the BBC website a few days ago... exactly the same in parts... perhaps the gown might try and write its own stuff now and again... Just a suggestion

4/07/2007 9:26 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

well done neo!!!

4/08/2007 12:33 am  
Blogger Gown Team said...

Ciarnan, The article posted on the blog did take its information from the BBC website and a reference is made to the interview with the BBC radio show in the article. The piece is simply an informative one to keep students up to date. Unfortunately, due to the Easter break, it was not possible to get an interview in person with the man himself and so this piece was written in the meantime. However there are plans in the pipeline for a 'Gown' interview in the next few weeks. Your suggestion has been taken on board...thanks for the support.

4/08/2007 6:22 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done Neo, you deserve it!!!

4/08/2007 8:44 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done Neo. I was on the BBC website last week when I saw your face beside a headline on the story.

It was the same picture as the Gown have used actually.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6528637.stm

4/11/2007 12:37 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ciarnan and Cather leave the Gown alone you meanies!

4/12/2007 3:28 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCA said- Good man Neo. You worked with me on the Chinese Handbook, which has gone a massive way in helping families in Northern Ireland.
I am glad to see that the project has helped this gentleman gain the credit he deserves.

Having worked with international students for two years, it is difficult to get them involved in NI Life. Neo not only helped me on the project but was able to bring onboard students who would normally not get involved. He also brought a small chinese community to my concert last week, a has helped me when times were hard.

A real credit to his country, and a credit to Northern Ireland.

A real pleasure to have worked with him.

Student Community Action Officer (Edward Hanna)

4/12/2007 4:24 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This guy is great.

He gave me a lot of help and advice at the start of the year when I got suspended for a month for ill-conduct.

But he has helped me with my anger problems and am now a new man.

God Bless you.

4/23/2007 4:48 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done Neo if you can help Kev's anger management issues then theres no stopping you!

4/24/2007 2:21 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Would kev's surname be mc gourty?

Just drawing the comparison with anger management....

4/24/2007 7:27 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now now Sophie, there'e bound to be more than one Kev with anger management issues in the students' union.

4/26/2007 12:43 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

....I would be very careful about some of the stuff you guys are saying and more over, the Gown for Publishing it...

4/28/2007 1:41 pm  
Blogger Gown Team said...

We are aware of the possibly controversial nature of some of the comments above. However, having received no complaints we do not feel it is necessary to remove them. If anyone has an issue with comments left on the site feel free to contact us at thegown@hotmail.com or call into our office on the second floor of the Union.

4/30/2007 11:14 pm  

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