Let me begin this story not from where I started, but from where I stand today – as a young mathematician who has published over 100 research papers with more than 1800 citations, working at the Institute of Mathematics, Henan Academy of Sciences, and having completed a one year postdoctoral fellowship at Tongji University Shanghai. As an early career researcher, I have become what many would call an "academic star" in mathematical research, serving as both a reviewer and editor for many top journals worldwide. But this journey began with a simple dream and the strong support of East China Normal University.

The Beginning: A Pakistani Student's Dream

  My story with ECNU started in 2019 when I was finishing my Master's degree in Pakistan. Like many young researchers, I was curious about studying abroad for my PhD. After searching on the internet, I found a professor at ECNU whose research matched perfectly with mine. That decision to contact him changed my life forever. When I came to China and joined ECNU's School of Mathematical Sciences, I had no idea that this university would become the foundation of all my future success.

  Looking back, I realize that ECNU didn't just give me education – it gave me a complete change that turned a hardworking student into a recognized young researcher on the world stage.

My Research Journey at ECNU

  During my PhD journey at ECNU, I set a big goal for myself – to publish 100 research papers by graduation. Some might think it was too much, but I believed in the power of hard work combined with smart planning. With ECNU's support and excellent research facilities, I was able to achieve something special.

  By the time I finished my PhD in 2023, I had published over 80 research papers in top mathematical journals. These papers received over 1200 citations, making me known as a young researcher to watch in the mathematical sciences community. Today, I have not only reached my first goal with over 100 publications and 1800+ citations, but I have also been invited to serve as an editor for several top mathematical journals – a recognition that shows the solid research foundation ECNU gave me.

  The journey at ECNU was truly amazing. Under the great guidance of my PhD supervisor, Professor Zhi-Guo Liu, I found abilities within myself that I never knew I had. The School of Mathematical Sciences and the International Students' Office created a place where language problems became opportunities to grow rather than barriers.

Overcoming Challenges: The COVID-19

  No story is complete without its challenges, and mine came in the form of the global COVID-19 pandemic. During my semester break vacation in Pakistan, the deadly virus struck worldwide, leading to border restrictions that prevented me from returning to China for two years and eight months. This was a difficult period not just for me, but for all international students globally.

  However, this is where ECNU's true helpful nature showed brightest. The International Students' Office and my supervisor gave me continuous support and guidance during those hard times. Their strong support made sure that my research didn't stop, and I continued to contribute to the mathematical sciences community even from far away. This period taught me that with the right support system and determination, distance cannot limit academic success.

Recognition and Awards: ECNU's Investment in Excellence

  My dedication and smart work strategies, which were helped and improved by ECNU, were recognized through several academic achievements. I was honored to receive the ECNU Excellent International Student Scholarship/Award for the years 2021 and 2022 continuously. Several of my papers have been called "highly cited papers" by Web of Science, showing the quality of research that ECNU helps its students to produce.

  Currently, I serve as both an academic reviewer and editor for many top mathematical journals. This dual responsibility, which I have carried for the past few years, is a direct result of the research excellence and professional standards that ECNU taught me during my doctoral studies.

Life After ECNU: Continuing the Legacy

  Today, I work at the Institute of Mathematics, Henan Academy of Sciences, where I continue to apply the amazing skills that were improved and developed at ECNU.

  My current achievements – over 100 research papers with more than 1800 citations – go beyond even my own big goals. But I know that none of this would have been possible without the solid foundation that ECNU provided. The university didn't just teach me mathematics; it taught me how to think like a researcher, how to work with people worldwide, and how to keep going when facing challenges.

Conclusion: Forever an ECNUer

  I am proud to declare that I AM A FOREVER ECNUer. Through my story, anyone can believe that ECNU's doors are always open to all international students who want to show their abilities through hard work and dedication.

  To ECNU, on this important 60th anniversary of international education: Thank you for not just giving me a PhD degree, but for giving me a new identity as a global researcher. Thank you for showing me that with the right support, guidance, and determination, dreams don't just come true – they go beyond expectations.

  The mathematical equations I solve today, the papers I publish, the students I mentor, and the boundaries I push in research – all of these carry the ECNU spirit within them. As ECNU continues to shape the next generation of international scholars, I stand as living proof that this university doesn't just educate students; it transforms dreamers into achievers.