Ricky Wang

Ricky is featured in our ‘Humans of LJMU’ series in collaboration with the ‘Humans of Liverpool’ social media account, sharing the stories of the people who make our city, communities and university the vibrant, inclusive place it is in celebration of our bicentenary year.

As a media, culture and communications student from China, he reflects in his interview on the differences between Liverpool and his home nation, and the open door of possibilities he has for his future.

Ricky’s ‘Humans of LJMU’ interview

“I think this city has a very unique cultural identity. The accent, the architecture, the history. And it's not so big, it's easy to get around, that's part of the reason I chose to come here. I was actually the only person from my entire university that chose to study here during the pandemic, but I've never felt alone.

“After studying here, I have found that people are extremely friendly, and I think this is a very progressive city in terms of lots of things. I loved it so much that I wanted to stay for another year and finish my degree here, so I applied to study my third year at Liverpool John Moores. After I graduate, I would like to volunteer in Africa and then travel to the US to do my master's degree.

“I study Media, Culture and Communications at LJMU. Back in China, my programme was about training news anchors and broadcasters for TV stations with audiences that speak English. I have really enjoyed my course, but I’m not actually sure what I want to do for a career. I am thinking about becoming a content creator. But I'm struggling with what to do because of the abundance of things I could do. I actually have a list of all of the jobs I want to try. Like becoming a makeup artist, becoming an actor. I'd like to try a few things and see what I enjoy.

“I think the biggest cultural change I have experienced is the difference between collectivism and individualism. Back in China, I was living in one room with four roommates. We would share a bathroom, cook dinner together and go to class together every day. Here, everyone is much more independent. Everyone has their own space and has clear boundaries. Back in China, those boundaries are definitely blurred. I've been a lot more individualistic for the last few months. I definitely prefer it and it's something I'm going to take with me.”