Written by Dr. Fan Xiahui and Dr. Rhoda Tique
In August 2002, after graduating from Lanzhou Normal School in Gansu Province, I was assigned to a middle school in Lanzhou City and became a teacher in a mountain village. At the time, I was only 20 years old—full of youth, energy, and ambition. I spent seventeen years there, beginning as a Chinese language teacher, and over time, I held various positions including homeroom teacher, Young Pioneers counselor, and teaching director. My dedication and performance eventually led to my selection and transfer to the Gansu Provincial Institute of Education Science, where I worked as a full-time researcher in Chinese language teaching. My research has since guided many primary school language teachers across the region.
Yet, I was not content to stop there. Deep in my heart, I had always held a dream—to explore educational theory in depth, to expand my academic horizons, and to grow further as an educator and researcher. In 2020, I took a major step toward that dream by applying to the University of Baguio for EDD in Education.
During my time at the University of Baguio, I systematically completed all required courses and successfully wrote my doctoral dissertation with the guidance of my professors, especially my mentor, Professor Rhoda. She has always been kind and approachable, yet when it comes to academic matters, she is rigorous and precise—qualities that deeply influenced my academic growth.
In December 2023, I obtained my Doctor of Education. Soon after, I was awarded the title of senior teacher in Gansu Province and was appointed as a part-time PhD supervisor at Northwest Normal University. Armed with the knowledge and experience I gained during my doctoral studies, I have since conducted professional teacher training programs in various regions—efforts that have been warmly received and widely appreciated.
In 2023, Dr. Fan Xiahui celebrated her graduation with a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Baguio—marking a milestone in her pursuit of academic excellence and lifelong educational service.
Looking back on my journey—from a rural school teacher to a doctoral student, and now a doctoral supervisor—I recognize it has been filled with challenges, but also with beauty and fulfillment. Above all, it was my learning experience and achievements at the University of Baguio that helped me realize my dream of earning a EDD and becoming a more capable educator and researcher. I remain committed to continual growth and self-improvement, striving always to become the best version of myself.
(Dr. Fan Xiahui is a Graduate of Doctor of Education Major in Educational Management and Graduated in December, 2023)
