"Studying in China changed my life and helped to advance my career," says Milagrosa Ada Micha, chairperson of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea's leading magazine Real Equatorial Guinea in a recent interview with Xinhua.
China's profound culture and its enormous potential for economic development prompted her decision to pursue higher education in the country, she says.
In 2013, Ada Micha began her journey at Central China Normal University in Hubei province to undertake a language preparatory course. From 2014 to 2018, she immersed herself in undergraduate studies in international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
"China has become my second home. My time in China has changed the way I think," says Ada Micha, explaining that the Chinese people's self-discipline and diligent work ethic have deeply influenced and benefited her since.
While studying in Beijing in 2015, Ada Micha founded her magazine Real Equatorial Guinea.
"At that time, many people didn't know much about my country. They always thought Equatorial Guinea was in South America and there weren't many positive stories about it on the internet," she says. "I decided to establish a magazine published in Spanish, Chinese and English to introduce the real Equatorial Guinea to the world."
After graduating, she relocated the magazine to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Today, her magazine is an officially recognized media outlet in Equatorial Guinea and continues to gain prominence.
Ada Micha praises China's role in developing talent in various fields, including technology, agriculture, infrastructure and media, from which many young people in Equatorial Guinea have benefited.
"China is a great country that especially helps African countries, and its support is crucial for my country's development," she says, highlighting that Chinese infrastructure projects in Equatorial Guinea provide skills training and employment opportunities for the youth.
Ada Micha expresses her hope that young people will take advantage of the opportunity to study in China, become valuable and self-sufficient individuals in society, and contribute to the future of Equatorial Guinea.
"Thanks to my experiences in China, I am who I am today. China is open to everyone if you genuinely intend to learn. Seize the opportunity to study in China; you won't regret it," she adds.