Rhodes scholars and fellows. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Her aim is to better understand the theoretical underpinnings of social justice to make the law more meaningful for marginalized populations.

"I think for law school students, we need to train our legal thinking and watch closely law development," Zhang says. "Politics and economics can solve the problems before the need for a lawsuit ever happens, and philosophy can help guide both these areas."

After she graduates from Oxford this summer, Zhang plans to attend Stanford Law School to pursue a doctorate as a Knight Hennessy scholar.

"I've learned a lot theoretical knowledge, and now I'm like a medical student without a scalpel," Zhang says. "I think going back to be a law school student, will be like being handed a real scalpel to solve the problems in practical ways."

Oxford University places a great deal of emphasis on self-learning and writing, and Zhang had to read between 10 and 20 articles or books and write two 2,000-word essays each week. "At first I thought it would be hard, but then I realized that we need to learn how to research and filter information efficiently."

Zhang is grateful for the opportunity to become a Rhodes scholar, as it helped her improve not only academically, but also developed her confidence and honed her way of thinking.