(Miri, 9th) 'The journey of learning is not only the accumulation of knowledge, but also a process of self-growth.' Li Jiaxuan, an alumna of SM Pei Min Miri, said so in an exclusive interview. She said that her six years of dual-track study at Pei Min Middle School not only enabled her to comprehensively improve academically and linguistically, but also trained her psychological resilience, allowing her to display stronger independent learning and stress management abilities at university.
Currently, Li Jiaxuan is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing at Curtin University, Miri. She admitted that, looking back on her educational journey, she deeply realizes that the educational philosophy and curriculum arrangement at Pei Min laid a solid foundation for her and continues to play an active role in her university life and life path.
She recalled that she attended Zhu Ba Primary School as a child, as it was close to her home, and her father was adamant about his children receiving a complete Chinese education. After graduating from primary school, she chose to enter Pei Min Middle School. In these six fulfilling and tightly-scheduled years on campus, she not only received systematic academic training, but also developed independent thinking and self-management skills in a diverse environment.
'Although the dual-track system at Pei Min meant greater academic pressure, it also allowed me to learn early how to cope with different exams and multiple subject challenges at the same time.' She said this experience enabled her, when faced with heavy coursework, projects, and assessments at university, to maintain a clear rhythm and a steady mind.
Li Jiaxuan also mentioned that Pei Min Middle School’s emphasis on self-learning and bilingual teaching had a profound impact on her growth. She believes that teachers focus more on guiding students to think and solve problems, rather than simply imparting knowledge. This method of learning cultivated her self-study ability, so that at university she could quickly comprehend course content and proactively plan her own study progress without needing much supervision.
However, in the early days of university, she also encountered challenges in language communication. Since both classes and daily communication were almost entirely in English, although she had a basic command, it still took time to express herself fluently. To overcome these difficulties, she actively participated in class discussions and took the initiative to talk with classmates. 'Listen more, speak more, practice more,' she said with a smile, and it was this persistence that significantly improved her English fluency and self-confidence.
Regarding the external perception that 'independent Chinese school students have weaker English ability', Li Jiaxuan does not agree. She believes the multilingual environment at Pei Min provides students with a good foundation, but whether one can use English proficiently at university depends crucially on personal initiative and long-term practice. 'Language ability is not a talent, but the result of continuous practice.' She encourages younger students to be brave in speaking up and to practice more.
When asked about her most unforgettable experience at Pei Min, she especially mentioned participating in the school charity sale. From planning, arrangement, sales to final accounting, she was hands-on at every stage. 'That event made me deeply appreciate the importance of teamwork and adaptability.' She said with a smile, although it was tiring, she learned how to keep calm and think clearly under pressure—an experience that continues to benefit her to this day.
Today, Li Jiaxuan continues to move forward with the 'Pei Min spirit.' She firmly believes that what Pei Min provided is not just knowledge, but also an attitude of not shrinking from challenges. It is this self-discipline and perseverance cultivated since middle school that allow her to walk firmly throughout university and on the road ahead in life.
Currently, Li Jiaxuan is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing at Curtin University, Miri. She admitted that, looking back on her educational journey, she deeply realizes that the educational philosophy and curriculum arrangement at Pei Min laid a solid foundation for her and continues to play an active role in her university life and life path.
She recalled that she attended Zhu Ba Primary School as a child, as it was close to her home, and her father was adamant about his children receiving a complete Chinese education. After graduating from primary school, she chose to enter Pei Min Middle School. In these six fulfilling and tightly-scheduled years on campus, she not only received systematic academic training, but also developed independent thinking and self-management skills in a diverse environment.
'Although the dual-track system at Pei Min meant greater academic pressure, it also allowed me to learn early how to cope with different exams and multiple subject challenges at the same time.' She said this experience enabled her, when faced with heavy coursework, projects, and assessments at university, to maintain a clear rhythm and a steady mind.
Li Jiaxuan also mentioned that Pei Min Middle School’s emphasis on self-learning and bilingual teaching had a profound impact on her growth. She believes that teachers focus more on guiding students to think and solve problems, rather than simply imparting knowledge. This method of learning cultivated her self-study ability, so that at university she could quickly comprehend course content and proactively plan her own study progress without needing much supervision.
However, in the early days of university, she also encountered challenges in language communication. Since both classes and daily communication were almost entirely in English, although she had a basic command, it still took time to express herself fluently. To overcome these difficulties, she actively participated in class discussions and took the initiative to talk with classmates. 'Listen more, speak more, practice more,' she said with a smile, and it was this persistence that significantly improved her English fluency and self-confidence.
Regarding the external perception that 'independent Chinese school students have weaker English ability', Li Jiaxuan does not agree. She believes the multilingual environment at Pei Min provides students with a good foundation, but whether one can use English proficiently at university depends crucially on personal initiative and long-term practice. 'Language ability is not a talent, but the result of continuous practice.' She encourages younger students to be brave in speaking up and to practice more.
When asked about her most unforgettable experience at Pei Min, she especially mentioned participating in the school charity sale. From planning, arrangement, sales to final accounting, she was hands-on at every stage. 'That event made me deeply appreciate the importance of teamwork and adaptability.' She said with a smile, although it was tiring, she learned how to keep calm and think clearly under pressure—an experience that continues to benefit her to this day.
Today, Li Jiaxuan continues to move forward with the 'Pei Min spirit.' She firmly believes that what Pei Min provided is not just knowledge, but also an attitude of not shrinking from challenges. It is this self-discipline and perseverance cultivated since middle school that allow her to walk firmly throughout university and on the road ahead in life.