Editor's Note: Peking University offers a unique international campus environment for
students of all nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds to pursue
their passions and interests, welcoming students from all walks of life
across the globe, as we gather here at Yanyuan, sharing the same PKU
identity.
"How We Met at PKU" is an interview series showcasing the close-knitted
bonds formed by various Pekingers across geographical borders at PKU,
documenting these peculiar cross-cultural friendships formed into our
shared PKU Family memory journal.
We welcome all current Pekingers and alumni to submit your stories at the end of this article.
Peking University, April 27, 2021: Cinthya Vanessa Garcia Rojas
(辛美芳 Perú) is currently studying in School of Chinese Language and
Literature at Peking University taking Chinese as a Second Language
while Juan David Nieto Robayo (倪俊杰 Colombia), is taking his Master of
Public Administration at the School of Government in Peking University.
The Perfect Symphony
Vanessa and David first met at one of the booths during the annual
Student Association Recruitment Festival at Peking University. David was
one of the representatives managing the booth for Youth Association of
Foreign Affairs (YAFA) where Vanessa stopped by to ask for more
information. It was then where the duo realized they were both Latin,
and started communicating in Spanish, and eventually added each other on
WeChat.
Vanessa performing on stage for Peking University's International Culture Festival
Nonetheless, it was not until the duo realized their common passion for
singing, that they began working closely with each other and eventually
blossomed their friendship.
Transcending Cultures - A World Without Borders
With great enthusiasm, the two quickly delved into hectic preparations
for the upcoming stage performance at the International Culture
Festival, and Vanessa's final round of competition at Peking
University's Top 10 International Students Singing Competition. Though
they did not know each other for long, the connection makes the
friendship seems like eternity.
David and Vanessa singing together for PKU's Top 10 International Students Singing Competition
“We
had a lot of big memories of singing and partying together. But one
thing I always remember in my heart is when every time we came back from
rehearsing in PKU, he would ride his bike and we would go together back
to Global Village, singing songs, talking, and having a good time.
Those little moments feel so special to me.” Said Vanessa.
The duo sang and danced "Vivir lo nuestro" by Marc Anthony and La India
at the 2019 PKU's International Culture Festival and "Hoy tengo ganas
de tí" by Alejandro Fernandez & Christina Aguilera at the Top 10
International Students Singing Competition. The two was then invited to
also perform at PKU's 2020 New Year's Party where they convened with
"你不知道的事" by Wang Leehom.
David (second from left) and Vanessa (middle) with other performers at PKU 2020 New Year's Party
Vanessa said she "will never forget the first time I saw the snow. David
told me to go downstairs because it was the first snow of the year. We
spent a couple of hours trying to make snowmen and playing with the
snow.”
When asked what was the biggest challenge they overcame together, the
two chuckled and replied "We didn't really have any challenges. If there
is, it will probably be thinking about what to eat for Christmas or
what to cook together?"
"Our friendship is very calm, we haven't had any fights or arguments.
One day, I was feeling really uneasy about a personal issue. I went to
David's room to talk to him about the problem… I could not stop crying
but he peacefully calmed my heart with a prayer together." David is like
the big brother I never had. He was always there for me, he gave me
really good life advice, and we shared our experiences with each other.
When I was around him, I felt truly protected." David also mentioned how
Vanessa is a really special girl who is always nice and humble, and
someone with whom he has shared several of the best moments in Beijing
and with whom he hopes to continue to have a beautiful friendship.
Vanessa in Beijing
The two have always wanted to travel around China with each other, and
visit some places together in Beijing. Unfortunately, the duo had to
return to their own countries when the pandemic hit. Regardless, they
are always hopeful to reunite in Beijing to complete this plan of
theirs.
Last but not least
Vanessa's word for David: "I appreciate our friendship very much. He has
a lot of interesting plans and I'm so sure that he will accomplish his
goals. That he has a big heart and dedication for what he's passionate
about. It's about following one's heart and not getting influenced by
external factors."
And, David wants to tell Vanessa that "to think big about her future, to
continue being the strong and intelligent woman she is, to have fun and
enjoy the process of life, and to come visit me wherever I am in the
world."
No borders, Just Horizons.
Share with us the amazing friendship between you and your close international friend(s)!
Writer: Goh Chia Chia
Contributors: Cinthya Vanessa Garcia Rojas and Juan David Nieto Robay
Editor: Pu Hairui
Source: PKU Wechat Platform
