In 2023, Covic, a student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, traveled thousands of miles to Hainan to begin his pursuit of master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering at Hainan University. Here, on this vibrant tropical campus, his academic pursuits and musical aspirations have converged like two radiant trajectories in his life, empowering each other.

In the academic realm, Covic dedicates himself to advancing research in environmental science and engineering, delving into the mysteries of nature through laboratory investigation. Firmly believing that safeguarding the global ecological environment is a responsibility transcending borders, he sees Hainan University as a robust platform with abundant resources, propelling his professional journey forward.

For Covic, music is an indispensable hue on the canvas of his life. Immersed in a family steeped in musical traditions since childhood, he has carried the rhythms of African drums in his bones. At Hainan University, when he takes off his lab coat, he transforms into a standout international drummer in student bands. “Music knows no borders; rhythm is a universal language,” he asserts and lives by it. On campus, he channels his passion for diverse genres—rock, jazz, blues, pop—building melodic bridges that transcend cultural boundaries.

Harmony in Diversity: A Global Stage for Distinctive Charm

Hainan University, a fertile ground for multiculturalism, offers Covic a vibrant spectrum of campus cultural activities through which he fully unleashes his potential, radiating his distinctive brilliance.

Covic is a vibrant presence across a wide range of campus activities, including the Campus Top 10 Singers Competition, International Youth Cultural Festival, and International Food Festival... He served as the closing guest at the 2024 Campus Top 10 Singers Competition, which brought him a great honor and pride. He sang the Chinese song Missing You At Night with his distinctive voice, bringing a unique musical feast to the audience that beautifully showcased the collision and integration of different cultures in music.

At the international food exchange activities, he tasted various dishes from different regions, and generously introduced traditional Congolese (DRC) dishes to his fellow international classmates. At the same time, he enthusiastically learned to wrap zongzi and make dumplings to experience the charm of traditional Chinese food culture. Through every bite and sip, he and his classmates deepened mutual understanding and brought their hearts closer together..

High Seas Welcome All Streams: Covic Is Embraced by a Big Warm Family

When speaking about his interactions with students and faculty at Hainan University, Covic brims with praise and gratitude. “The students here have shown me immense inclusivity—they proactively engage with my country’s culture, and this wholehearted acceptance helped me integrate swiftly into the community,” he remarks. Here, he has never felt alienated because of his nationality, skin color, or cultural differences. Instead, he has forged genuine friendships, collaborating and growing together with his classmates. From spirited academic debates in classrooms, shared laughter during leisurely moments, to teamwork in campus activities, he has deeply felt the ethos of inclusivity that defines Hainan University.

From the academic halls to the music stage, Covic has found his own balance at Hainan University. Here, he chases knowledge, pursues dreams, and nurtures an endless yearning for multiculturalism.

Toward a Shared Future: Cultivating Dreams in Diversity

Looking back, Covic is filled with a flood of emotions; looking ahead, his eyes are brimming with anticipation. “I hope to build a diverse team in the future and use business tools to address climate change—a global challenge,” he says. He understands deeply that tackling climate change requires pooling global wisdom, and Hainan University's openness and inclusivity have built a stage for international youth like him to chase dreams and fulfill their potential. This environment gives him the courage to imagine the future and the confidence to contribute to the world’s sustainable development.

From the vast rainforests of the DR Congo to the coconut-scented breezes and ocean rhythms of Hainan Island, Covic's vibrant story continues. At Hainan University, he orchestrates a multicultural symphony that transcends borders, weaving his youthful vigor and relentless drive into a tapestry where academia harmonizes with music. Amidst the interplay of diverse cultures, he pens his own extraordinary chapter—one defined by passion, perseverance, and cross-cultural resonance.

Translated by Li Runzhen

Proofread by Bai Lifang