This is part of a series of question and answer sessions with members of the Global Business Journalism entering class of 2021-2022.
By NKOSINOMUSA B. TSHUMA
Global Business Journalism reporter
Q: Please briefly tell us your name and where are you from
A: I’m Stephanie Alejandra Fallas Sandi from San Jose, Costa Rica. Q: Please give us a brief background of your education A: I studied at the University of Costa Rica first and started in dentistry, but halfway through I quit after discovering classical philology. Q: How did you end up in China at Tsinghua University, and why the Global Business Journalism program?
A: I went to study at Tsinghua University in 2018 as part of the Government Scholarship program in the Chinese language department. Living in THU taught me a lot of things, and I decided to pursue my master’s at the university. I chose GBJ because it is unique, has an amazing structure and is a good opportunity to learn about China and Asia in general. Q: Who has been your strongest influence in life? What is the driving force behind your success?
A: If I think about one person it will be my mom. She taught me since I was a little child that hard work and commitment are the key to the success. Working hard, even if the circumstances are difficult, until the end.
Q: Do you have a philosophy you live by?
A: My life philosophy is to keep pushing until the end and to not give up.
Q: What are some of the things you hope to accomplish during your time at GBJ?
A: I would like to be a good student, share my background and culture with other, improve in my career and learn more about other cultures, heritages, and societies.
Q: Where do you currently work?
A: I work for a company called INFOSYS BPM, which is an Indian capital company.
Q: Please share with us your passions.
A: I have a lot of passions, I like to learn and try everything so you will find me in a huge number of activities, right now, I’m into in a Korean boy band so I’m running an international fanbase for them. I love animals, I own four pets – two dogs, Capitan and Lucy, one rabbit, Michael, and one cat, Tiger. My hobbies include reading and painting, dancing and now I’m starting on pottery. Volunteering is one of my biggest passions. I like to participate in social movements and stand up for my ideas and beliefs. Q: Now that you are not yet on campus what is your typical day like? What are some of your likes and dislikes?
A: Well, I start my day at 6:00 a.m. with my job, I have a full-time job so after ending my shift I check my homework and lectures, prepare myself for the classes and rest a while. On weekends, I study and go out for coffee or dinner with my friends or alone. I like to go to the coffee shop and drink alone while I watch people moving around. I like being at home, but I think being at school would be better. I do not like that inequality that the pandemic gives us. Online classes are never going to be like face-to-face classes.
A: If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
A: Bossy, extrovert and capable. Sincerely, sometimes I am bossy. I think it is a good characteristic.
The last two you will see them for yourself.
Q: Do you have any words of motivation for young women from developing countries trying to make it in the media industry?
A: Always be original, true to your beliefs and dreams. Difficult situations and circumstances are nothing if you are determined. You can achieve anything, so giving up is never an option. Above all, believe in yourself, no matter what others think about you. At the end of the day only you know your abilities.
Musa Tshuma is a journalist from Zimbabwe. This interview was originally published on her website here.
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