Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) held its 2025 commencement ceremony on June 21, celebrating the graduating class across its campuses. Among the graduates, Masala, a student from Somalia who earned his Ph.D. in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, shared his academic journey and graduation reflections at the ceremony.

At his graduation, Masala articulated modest yet impactful aspirations: to diligently apply the expertise gained at SYSU to advancing sports medicine in Somalia. He emphasized a commitment to translating his academic training into tangible contributions for his country’s athletic healthcare landscape.

Furthermore, he extended warm wishes to his fellow graduates, stating: “I wish you all the best and a bright future, and may the spirit of SYSU continue and guide us as we move forward.”

His deepest impression of SYSU centered on its profound impact on four key pillars: personal growth, intellectual pursuit, character development, and the "family-like" bonds among the community of SYSU. He noted that SYSU’s ethos had not only shaped his scholarly path but also deepened his understanding of global healthcare collaboration.

Video: Li Xinyang

Written by Zheng Wenwen