When He Jieying received the results of China's postgraduate entrance examination, even she found them hard to believe. This BNBU student ranked first in both the written examination and interview, earning admission to the Master's programme in National Security Studies at the China Foreign Affairs University.
He Jieying
Class of 2026, Department of Social Sciences
What made the achievement even more remarkable was that she had switched disciplines and prepared for the highly competitive examination in just over five months.
In 2022, the roar of a J-20 fighter jet sparked an unexpected passion. Already interested in photography, He soon immersed herself in aviation and aerospace photography, travelling across China to photograph airshows and rocket launches.
She spent hours waiting in fields, carrying heavy camera equipment, enduring mosquitoes, rainstorms and long journeys for a single perfect shot. Over four years, she photographed two Zhuhai Airshows, two Changchun Airshows and four rocket launches. Her work was later published by several major military media platforms, including the English editions of China Military Online and the Ministry of National Defense website.
He's works are selected to be posted on major media websites
Yet photographing aircraft gradually made her realise she wanted to go beyond just capturing images of them.
At BNBU, the Globalisation and Development programme enabled her to explore defence and national security through research papers and independent study, gradually transforming a personal interest into an academic direction.
The decision to pursue postgraduate study in national security came late. During the summer before her final year, encouragement from a former soldier who had successfully entered graduate school convinced her it was worth trying.
She gave herself one month to read the core reference materials before making a final decision. Instead of feeling discouraged, she became increasingly certain she had found the right path.
He's study material
Preparing for the examination meant learning two entirely new subjects while completing her undergraduate coursework. There were moments of overwhelming pressure, but support from her professors helped her persevere. More importantly, four years of English-medium education at BNBU had strengthened her ability to analyse, write and think independently rather than rely on memorisation.
He with her tutor Dr Selcuk Colakoglu at BNBU
Looking back, He believes her greatest lesson is simple: "Start before you feel ready."
From chasing aircraft across the skies to pursuing a career in national security, she has discovered that passion often begins with curiosity—and grows through the courage to take the first step.
From MPRO
Photos provided by the interviewee
Editor: Cecilia Yu
