Student Stories is Glasgow Caledonian University’s blog about our students, their experience of the University and how it has contributed towards their successes.
Kayne Zen Liu is an International Marketing student from Malaysia who is graduating in the summer ceremonies here in Glasgow. Kayne looks back on his time at GCU and GCU INTO and what made these years so special for him.
I studied at GCU because…
Today I graduate with the BA (Hons) International Marketing with a 2:1 degree. I chose this university because they offer much more modern subjects and it is very suitable for the modern society. I was thinking of choosing something that could incorporate academic and modern business life, most other universities offer traditional subjects. I did a Foundation course back in Malaysia and joined GCU through an INTO program in 2015. Everyone worries that they are choosing the right course in the beginning, but now I’m graduating I realise how much I’ve enjoyed it here. That’s what counts.
What’s been most important to you?
I would say networking abilities are most important when you’re at University. Because you don’t know who you will meet and that’s thrilling.
What’s been your biggest lesson learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is ‘never lose hope’. University can bring certain times of stress but my GCU friends are always there for me. That’s very important to me and I am really happy that I am here and graduating this summer.
Do you believe we are the University for the Common Good?
I believe in striving for change for the common good. It is important to me because I know it could make this world a better place. It may be a butterfly effect that a small contribution could lead to big things and I really believe that I can help change the world through ethical consumerism and sustainability. Completing my dissertation helped me realise that there are major problems relating to this particular topic to be understood. These problems are still far from conclusive.
“I joined GCU through an INTO program in 2015. Everyone worries that they are choosing the right course in the beginning, but now I’m graduating I realise how much I’ve enjoyed it here. That’s what counts.”
Who inspires you?
Everyone inspires me. The people I’ve met here are very interesting. Everyone has different skills and that helps me to apply lots of new things to my life, even though it is just little things.
Where are you going next and have your ambitions changed?
In my first year, when I got here, I felt a bit worried for the first few days. I was homesick, but it didn’t last for long. By the second week, I had met some amazing people and it felt like home. I am sad to leave Scotland but I will still try to come back in the future. I will definitely keep in touch with the people I met here. I always thought of just graduating, getting a job, finding a good company and just continuing with my life. But, I don’t feel that way anymore. I want to achieve something bigger. People do change most of the time. That’s one of the reasons why I chose International Marketing; it has widened my horizons and creativity. I prefer to work internationally, which is what I’ll do next.
If we bumped into you on campus, where are you most likely to be and why?
It depends on the situation. I could be attending class, taking part in sports activities or when I have a lot on; in the library or 24hr lab.
You are the best, Kayne and you will get far in life!
From you best uni buddy, An