Pan Yuchen

Class of 2020, Diligentia College

School of Economics and Management, Major in Economics

Post-Graduation Destination: Fonterra

A Clear Path for the Future

As the gentle spring breeze sweeps through Diligentia College, one graceful, poised, and optimistic student stands beside the monument of knowledge. She is none other than Pan Yuchen — the outstanding graduate of 2024 from Diligentia College. In speaking with her, one can feel the wisdom, resilience, and inner strength she’s cultivated throughout her university journey.

Pan Yuchen’s four years in university were marked by steady and purposeful steps. She majored in Applied Economics with a minor in Marketing, driven by her pursuit of well-rounded and practical knowledge. With a clear goal in mind, Pan plans to enter the workforce after graduation to gain hands-on experience before pursuing graduate studies. In the summer of her third year, she joined an exchange program at Waseda University in Japan to broaden her thinking and experience cultural diversity — an enriching adventure through the world of knowledge.

A Vibrant College Life

When asked about the biggest change over her college years, Pan responded with a confident smile: her inner strength had grown tremendously. From freshman to senior year, she learned how to better regulate herself and face both academic and personal challenges with calm and composure. Her experiences were rich and diverse — from icebreaking activities during her first year that helped her quickly feel at home, to the mentor-mentee program that led to lifelong friendships.

Life at Diligentia College nurtured her in countless ways. Her time as a student assistant (graphic designer) for the college honed her skills and work ethic. “The tutors and front desk staff at Diligentia are incredibly kind. I often chat with the receptionists when picking up deliveries, and whenever I need help, they go out of their way to assist. Our tutors would even prepare snacks during exam weeks and check in on our well-being during meals and events.” To Pan, Xueqin felt like a second home. Its warm and thoughtful culture, along with its vibrant events, allowed her to thrive beyond academics. Over three years as a student assistant, she produced over a hundred WeChat posts for the college and earned praise for her diligence and reliability.

Heartfelt Social Engagement

Beyond academics, Pan advises juniors to manage their time wisely and strive to finish tasks on the day they arise — a strategy she believes helps prevent negative emotions from building up. She also encourages everyone to explore different activities and social practices to discover their interests. Through her roles with the “Meet the Future Over Coffee” team and as Secretary General of the university’s official charity organization Micro Light Charity, Pan found her passions while developing a strong sense of teamwork and social responsibility.

As Secretary General of Shimmer Charity, she co-led a summer education outreach project called “Yuning Walk Together” in partnership with CUHK’s Sang Sum Society. In the summer of her sophomore year, she and her teammates traveled to Pengxi County in Suining City, Sichuan Province to bring education and warmth to local children. The team designed an innovative teaching model combining large and small classes to support the students’ academic and personal development. One of her most touching memories was when children came after class, holding their homework and asking questions. “Their smiles were the source of my joy. When we bring what others need through our efforts, the happiness they feel becomes our own.”

Closing Thoughts

Pan Yuchen knows well how precious and fortunate her four years at Diligentia College have been. She learned to balance academics with work and formed deep friendships with like-minded peers. Reflecting on her time at university, she shared:

“Many people go through life without knowing why they do certain things — swept forward by societal expectations and the crowds around them. But perhaps more important than what we’re ‘supposed’ to do is knowing what we love, what we want, and why we pursue it.”

In the end, Pan expressed heartfelt gratitude to her alma mater, the faculty and staff of Diligentia College, her classmates, and friends — all of whom gave generously to support her growth. She wishes for Diligentia College to continue flourishing, providing more students with the foundation to grow. In her time at Diligentia, Pan not only gained knowledge but also crafted one of the most radiant chapters of her youth.