As for my future career plans, I am certain that I will return to my home country and work in the city where I grew up. One of the main reasons I chose to work in China is because my family and friends are all there, which gives me a stronger sense of belonging when living and working at home. Additionally, as an international student, I have a competitive edge compared to regular graduates. I am also eligible for preferential household registration (hukou) policies, which, under certain conditions, allow me to settle directly in a first-tier city.

Moreover, my overseas study background is highly valued in many industries, with some job postings specifically stating a preference for candidates with international education experience. The government also provides various incentives for returnees, such as entrepreneurship subsidies and housing allowances. Although I don’t have a specific city in mind, I lean toward working in the city where I spent my childhood. This way, I can frequently reunite with my parents and friends, and we can support each other in everyday life.

During my years living abroad, I realized that I haven’t fully adapted to the environment here—for example, the inconvenient transportation and high cost of living. These factors further confirmed my decision to return home to pursue my career and build a life in a more familiar and supportive setting.

My original intention in choosing to study animation was not to become a director or animator from the very beginning, but rather came from a simple desire: to express the emotions in my mind that are hard to put into words but long to be understood, through visuals and movement. From initially copying characters and creating small animations, to gradually mastering the complete animation process, I came to realize that animation is an incredibly inclusive form of art. It can be entertaining or poetic; it can capture grand, expansive worlds or depict the subtleties of everyday life. In my future career, I hope to continue exploring this potential for expression and gradually carve out a creative path of my own.