This year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France announced in a joint communique on Jan 27, 1964. On this special day, we delve into the story of Anais Agathe Pothon, a French student thriving like a "French rose" in China.
In 2014, Pothon graduated from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland with a bachelor's degree in hotel management. With that, she seized a job opportunity in China, stepping into a role in customer management at the Pullman Hotel in Guiyang, Guizhou province.
At that time, Pothon didn't have much knowledge about China, and her interest in the Chinese culture wasn't particularly strong.
"However, I believed that China would become a stronger country, attracting tourists worldwide. I considered starting my career in Guiyang a wise choice. I aimed to take this job, learn Chinese thoroughly, and delve deeper into the Chinese culture."
To enhance her Chinese proficiency and qualifications, Pothon decided to pursue an MBA. After dedicated study, she secured admission to the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University with the highest interview score.
"My initial challenge at Antai was delivering a speech as a student representative during the enrollment ceremony. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness."
Pothon's mentor, Zhou Zucheng, said: "She's a diligent, proactive and organized student. She also holds significant influence within the class, inspiring others to actively pursue their academic and career goals."
Music is one of Anais's hobbies, and she frequently gathers with friends for karaoke, finding joy in music and friendship.
"I still vividly recall my first time in Shanghai, captivated by the seamless blend of modern and retro styles. What a groundbreaking city!"
Pothon expressed that working and living in Shanghai provide both security and constant rejuvenation. She believes that here, she will craft even more enriching and exciting stories about China.
