Hayk Soghomonyan, a 27' undergraduate student in Electronics and Computer Engineering at ZJUI, exemplifies diligence and a strong eagerness to learn. His hard work and dedication have earned him the prestigious title of Outstanding International Student at Zhejiang University. Outside academics, Hayk has a wide array of interests, particularly photography and rowing. As a member of the Rowing Club at Guantong Residential College, he displays remarkable resilience and vitality on the rowing course. In photography, his talent shines brightly, having secured two consecutive awards in international photography competitions. With his warm and outgoing personality, Hayk is always eager to make a positive impact. Currently, he serves as an international student recruitment ambassador for Zhejiang University, playing an active role in the university's overseas enrollment efforts.

Keeping learning and Gaining Growth in the New Realm of Knowledge

Although he had never set foot in China before, Hayk had always been deeply interested in China's rapid developments in technology, engineering, and business. Additionally, he was captivated by ZJUI's outstanding innovative research achievements in engineering science and its rigorous and rich academic atmosphere. This interest, which is like a powerful magnet, ultimately led him to embark on his learning journey at ZJUI.

▲ Hayk and his father on campus

In professional study, he demonstrates a strong interest and intense curiosity. Whether in his program or in other emerging interdisciplinary fields, he has explored extensively. Throughout his learning process, he has always been keen on working on practical projects to apply classroom knowledge. Among many projects he has participated in, the most impressive one was the intelligent access control system he designed with his teammates for the ECE110 course project. Based on ultrasonic technology and logic circuits, this system can accurately detect individuals approaching the door, achieving a balance of automation, security, and convenience. "During the project, my teammates and I encountered many unexpected problems. However, through the spirit of cooperation and perseverance, we repeated to check the input and output using an oscilloscope and finally resolved all issues and successfully completed the project," Hayk shared with us.

▲ Hayk and his team’s intelligent access control system

Furthermore, he believes that every course and professor at ZJUI is extremely interesting with their unique charm. "When talking to the professors, it's really difficult to pick the better one because they are all the best. I am especially grateful to Assoc Professor Ong Wee-liat, who taught CS101 course. His passion for the discipline and engaging teaching style have always been deeply inspiring to me. Outside the classroom, Professor Ong Wee-liat also maintains close contact with students and has invited us several times to eat dinner together, getting to know our daily studying and concerns in our lives. I think he is an outstanding educator who genuinely cares about the growth of students," Hayk shared.

In Hayk’s eyes, ZJUI has opened up a new world full of infinite possibilities for him. He stated, "Although ZJUI has a strict and challenging academic requirement, it is precisely in overcoming difficulties and continuously pushing myself to break limits that I have progressed. Additionally, as students of ZJUI, we have abundant opportunities to participate in professional conferences and events, keeping up with cutting-edge knowledge and learning from industry leaders. These experiences have greatly enriched our learning experience." Hard work pays off. In 2024, through his relentless efforts, Hayk was honored with the title of  "Outstanding International Student of Zhejiang University".

▲ Hayk participating in the “Chat with Nobel Laureates: Exploring Gravity Across the Galaxy” Science Café

▲ Hayk (sixth from the left) attending the Award Ceremony for the Outstanding International Student of Zhejiang University

Devotion to Contribution

Developing Comprehensively through Fulfillment from Dedication

Since joining ZJUI, Hayk has firmly pursued his path of personal growth. He holds an unchanging belief: to use his accumulated experience and knowledge to contribute to the University's and Institute’s recruitment efforts.

Last summer vacation, Hayk, with his fellow ZJUI students Gevorg Khalafyan and Aren Mkhitaryan, returned to the Physics and Mathematics Specialized School and the Ayb School in Armenia. They held an engaging reruitment presentation for local high school students there, comprehensively introducing ZJUI’s unique advantages, distinctive characteristics, and superior international education environment to potential students and parents which enhanced ZJUI’s reputation both domestically and internationally, attracting more outstanding students to apply. Meanwhile, Hayk actively took the responsibility of cultural promotion, introducing Chinese culture, educational philosophy, and colorful lifestyle to local students and parents, fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture among Armenian youth and greatly promoting cross-cultural exchange.

▲ Hayk and his teammates conducting ZJUI overseas recruitment presentations at Armenian high schools

Outside academics, Hayk would regularly invite like-minded friends to carefully plan online promotional events for Armenian high school students. During these activities, he shows fascinating campus scenery captured through his lens. These events serve as windows offering access to Armenian students to gain an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of ZJUI’s unique charm and outstanding advantages. "ZJUI provides us with wonderful world-class international education environment and platforms, which have greatly benefited us. We hope that other students can also learn about these and choose ZJUI as their destination for studying abroad." Hayk shared with us.

Embracing Diversity

Meeting a Sense of Belonging in the New World

Hayk Soghomonyan's academic sojourn at ZJUI is far more than just an experience of advanced study. It serves as a poignant and profound testament to his unwavering pursuit of self - exploration and his remarkable journey of multidimensional growth and development.  

In China, he has personally experienced a vastly different cultural environment and lifestyle compared to Armenia, yet has also found some similarities, enjoying China’s vibrant traditional festivals and diverse local cuisines. Immersing himself in these cultural differences and integration allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese customs, values, and social norms. He pointed out, "Living in China gives me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cultures. I could be able to visit profound historical landmarks and fully appreciate the special charm of this fascinating country personally."

At ZJUI, Hayk deeply cherished his learning environment and wholeheartedly embraced a strong sense of belonging. Beyond the realm of academics, his enthusiasm for diverse extracurricular pursuits knew no bounds. As an active member of the ZJUI Branding and Publicity Center, he immersed himself in the art of photography. With his camera in hand, he skillfully captured breathtaking moments, meticulously crafting captivating visual stories that left a lasting impression. When it came to social engagement, Hayk was a regular visitor to local schools in Haining. On multiple occasions, he joined students there to celebrate Chinese New Year, sharing in the joy of making sweet candies and dumplings. In sports, he was an integral part of the Guantong Residential College rowing team. Fueled by his unwavering passion for rowing, he strived for excellence and seek glory on the water. Moreover, he also enjoyed new sports activities like hiking, exploring nature, and so on. In his daily life, Hayk's curiosity extended to the culinary world. He delighted in experimenting with new recipes, often inviting friends over to share the fruits of his labor with good cheer.

▲ Hayk doing rowing practice at Juan Lake

▲ Campus scenery captured by Hayk, posted on ZJUI’s overseas social media platforms

He cherished every moment of interaction with faculty, students, and local residents, listening attentively and communicating sincerely. "I remember when I first arrived on campus, I was surprised to find that people here are as friendly and cheerful as those I met in Armenia. At this campus, no matter whether professors or classmates, everyone is incredibly approachable and easy to get close to. That truly excited me greatly." Hayk said.

Suggestion to Junior Students

Everything must be done step by step, with steady progress. If you encounter any difficulty, don’t be afraid to seek help from others. At ZJUI, professors or peers are very warm and kind, always willing to offer help and support.

Take time to experience different aspects of life. This is an essential part of exploring yourselves. The same applies to learning. When you love what you are studying, learning becomes an enjoyable process, and even the most challenging problems become very easy to overcome.

Outside the busy studying life, never neglect physical exercise. The body is the foundation of everything, and also the fundamental guarantee for achieving our dreams and pursuing knowledge. As the Armenian saying goes: "A healthy mind needs a healthy body." Only when we have a strong physique can we immerse ourselves in fully energetic states. This also leads us to think in a more sharp way, as well as having endless creativity.