"Success is the culmination of passion, persistence, and growth." These words resonate deeply with Wu Liu Yuling, a Master's student in International Chinese Education at Jiangsu University, Class of 2023. Hailing from the beautiful country of Vietnam, Yuling’s journey in the creative world of videography has been inspiring.

Yuling’s fascination with photography began in childhood, driven by her passion for recording moments. Over time, her hobby evolved into professional photography, and her interest expanded to film and video production. Today, she channels this passion into crafting compelling visual narratives, capturing people, emotions, and nature’s beauty.

"I love taking selfies to reflect my state and emotions at different times, showcasing my style," Yuling shared. "Capturing people’s expressions and movements or preserving the beauty of nature turns fleeting moments into eternal memories."

Yuling’s videography journey reached a significant milestone when she participated in the prestigious National Short Video Competition. The competition involved a rigorous process: contestants were selected for an offline competition where they presented their work, showcased video highlights, and underwent a Q&A session with the judges.

"The entire experience was like an adventure full of highs and lows," she recounted. "From conceptualizing and capturing shots to polishing edits, every step was exhilarating and rewarding." The competition not only honed her professional skills but also introduced her to like-minded peers. Ultimately, her hard work and dedication culminated in a national gold medal—a moment she described as "indescribably joyful."Chinese culture plays a pivotal role in Yuling’s creative process. From filming historical sites like Shen Kuo's statue and Mengxi Garden to weaving cultural themes into her narratives, she believes these elements add depth and authenticity to her work."Without the teacher’s selfless help, I wouldn’t have come this far," she said. "This journey has taught me resilience, persistence, and the value of collaboration."Though Yuling humbly acknowledges that her skills are still developing, her accomplishments speak volumes. Her journey from amateur photography to winning national recognition showcases her dedication and passion for the art form. For Yuling, every step forward is a step toward growth and self-expression.

Chinese culture plays a pivotal role in Yuling’s creative process. From filming historical sites like Shen Kuo's statue and Mengxi Garden to weaving cultural themes into her narratives, she believes these elements add depth and authenticity to her work.

"Chinese culture is a rich carrier of history and emotions," she noted. "It enriches my content and allows me to showcase unique stories through my lens."

Success in the competition was not without challenges. From the anxiety of submissions to the rigorous preparation process, Yuling faced many emotional and technical hurdles. However, the unwavering support of her mentors and collaborators played a crucial role. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her teacher, whose guidance and encouragement gave her the confidence to perform at her best.

"Without the teacher’s selfless help, I wouldn’t have come this far," she said. "This journey has taught me resilience, persistence, and the value of collaboration."

Reflecting on her journey, Yuling encouraged aspiring videographers to start by observing the beauty around them. "Use your heart and eyes to feel the stories of people and places," she advised. "Learn from the works of others, experiment with techniques, and gradually immerse yourself in the world of photography and videography."

Though Yuling humbly acknowledges that her skills are still developing, her accomplishments speak volumes. Her journey from amateur photography to winning national recognition showcases her dedication and passion for the art form. For Yuling, every step forward is a step toward growth and self-expression. 

(OEC)