Inspired by her own passion for helping and teaching, Runqi Xie is more than ready to be a mentor this academic year. This passion was sparked by her time as a student at Trafalgar Castle, an all-girls boarding school in Whitby.
“Ever since high school, I’ve always wanted to become a teacher, someone who can help or guide students or mentees. If I can be the kind of person who supports someone dealing with something they truly need help with, I'm all in for it,” she says with a smile.
Enter the QSuccess Engineering International Student Mentorship Program.
Pairing new international engineering students with an upper-year mentor, the program aims to smooth the transition to academic and social life for new students entering an unknown environment. Runqi will attest that it can be a challenging time, based on own experiences when she arrived at Queen's.
“When I first arrived here on my very first day, it was also the day I moved in, and I knew nothing about Queen’s. Initially, I thought it might be challenging for me to integrate into the community since the high school I attended was a live-in boarding school where I mostly spent time with my friends. However, I soon realized, ‘Oh I should step out of my comfort zone.’”
A third-year Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering student, Runqi began to do just that, and her choice of extracurriculars reflects this. “I’m involved in both visual and vocal, and choosing between them was challenging because I’m good at both and genuinely enjoy them!” An interest in vocal arts becomes evident when she sheepishly admits her love of karaoke. “Okay, so I spend a lot of time doing karaoke in my room. Hours of karaoke! I sometimes do karaoke with someone else, but I may not be as open to everyone and might not sing all the songs I love. So, especially when I’m stressed, you'll find me doing solo karaoke at home from morning to evening!”
When asked about the insights she can share with her own mentees, she says, “If you ever feel lost in life, my advice is to seek out resources that can offer support. However, it's also perfectly okay to pause and take a break because there's a lot going on around you. Take a moment to reflect on what you're truly seeking and embrace your thoughts. Often, the best is yet to come.”
Runqi has developed a love for the Queen’s campus itself, as it reminds her of her beloved high school, Trafalgar Castle. “I enjoy the old vibes at Queen's, especially those ancient buildings that make me think about of my high school. The campus and city are super walkable which makes it easy to get around. I live in a relatively quiet area around campus, and it really helps me focus on my goals and gives me the space to reflect on my endeavours.”
The tranquility which appeals to her also extends to the city itself. “In general, Kingston is a peaceful place with a relaxed ambiance. I love the vibe here.”
This article is relevant to the following Strategic Actions as defined in the Strategic Plan:
