MARY WARIBOKO
Achiever of the week: Mary Wariboko
February 24, 2021 | By Nqobile Mdima
This week’s feature is Mary Wariboko. Mary is from Nigeria. Mary is an International Student in Changsha Medical University, China. She is currently in her final year of Medical School and doing her internship at the 4th hospital of Changsha city. She has been studying and living abroad for over 5 years. Becoming a doctor is her childhood dream and she is very passionate about her career. Mary had always wanted to experience and learn about different cultures and explore things, so she thought to herself that studying abroad (in China to be specific) would open her horizon and considering the fact that China is very developed and has advanced technology that attracted her to study in China. While studying in China, she has started her own beauty business (Madivas Beauty). When she is not studying or running her business, she likes going to the cinema to watch movies or to the mall, or to a park. Mary has visited a couple of cities in China and Shanghai is her avorite.
Mary shares with us her journey pursuing her childhood dream to become a doctor, her experience in China as an international student, websites for scholarship opportunities, her entrepreneurial journey and her future plans.
Why did you decide to study abroad and why did you choose China?
I had always wanted to experience and learn about different cultures and explore things so I thought to myself that studying abroad and in China to be specific would open my horizon and considering the fact that China is very developed and has advanced technology that attracted me to study in China.
Why did you decide to study Medicine?
I decided to study medicine because I have always dreamt of becoming a doctor since I was a little child not because it was every child’s dream to become a doctor but because I am very passionate about it so I decided to pursue a career in medicine.
Have you ever been involved in any student exchange program?
No I haven’t.
Are you funding your own studies or do you have a scholarship?
I am funding my own studies, I do not have a scholarship but I know people can apply for scholarship using either www.scicas.com or www.campuschina.org.
Did you find the preparation process to move to China easy or difficult? (University application, Visa application, packing, leaving your family behind etc.)
I found it easy because I applied using a student agency in my country, so the agency did almost everything for me. I just gave them the necessary documents they needed and they did every other thing for me, even to my visa application they took me to the embassy and helped me get my visa within a week. I said good bye to my parents and siblings and left for China the next day after I got my Visa it was easy because that wasn’t the first time leaving my family for school as I was in Cyprus before I came to China for my studies.
Which airline do you normally use when you visit home or return to China? Would you recommend it?
I have used quite a number of airlines so I would recommend Emirate and Turkish airlines as I have never had any problems using them so far but I wouldn’t recommend Egypt airline as they have lost my luggage twice before.
How long did it take you to adjust to living in China?
I adjusted pretty fast as I was living in a dormitory with other Africans just like me.
Do you need Chinese language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in order to be able to study in a Chinese University?
For my university I didn’t need to have any Chinese language skill as I was been taught in English, but I did study Chinese language for my first year.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for obtaining your qualification abroad?
Advantage is that every thing is digitalized here so in case of efficiency studying abroad has a better advantage.
You aunched a beauty brand (Madivas beauty), CONGRATULATIONS! Does this mean you will specialise in medical aesthetics?
Yes I hope to be a Dermatologist in future.
How did you start your business (Madivas Beauty) and what tips would you share to others who are interested to launch a beauty brand?
It actually started as me trying to provide solutions within my niche here in China as we don’t always find good skincare products for blacks. I found it a need and decided to learn how to make skincare products that are natural and suitable for all black skin types. Moving on to madivas lipshines, I’ve always loved wearing lipglosses. That was actually my first makeup as a kid growing up. I would always ask my mum to wear me her lipgloss, so I’ve always been fond of it and it makes me feel more beautiful, girly and feminine. I just love the feeling so much, so I decided to have my own collection.
For anyone wanting to start their own brand not necessarily a beauty brand, I would advice you to believe in yourself and come out with something you love so you don’t see it stressful to you because really it’s not easy being an entrepreneur.
Which books would you highly recommend for business development that have helped you in your business journey?
The smart money woman, Rich dad poor dad.
What are the advantages of being an International student?
I get to experience diverse socio-cultural activities which widens my scope of thinking and seeing life in general.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in China?
Advantages would be good system of governance and infrastructure. Disadvantages would be food and language.
What do you do for fun in your city?
I go for movies, go to the mall, or go to a park.
How many cities have you visited in China? And which one is your favorite?
I have visited a couple of cities in China and Shanghai is my favorite.
How did covid-19 affect your personal life and studies?
I was mostly bored personally but my studies weren’t affected because I was studying online.
What is your advice to someone who has cancelled their plan to study abroad due to the pandemic?
My advice would be that they stay focused and calm until the borders are opened for them to travel to go study.
What are your future plans?
My future plan would be to become a very successful dermatologist.
