Angumya Edgar takes a selfie at the Overseas Returnees Town in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Angumya Edgar to wuxi.gov.cn]

I was over the moon when I got the news that I had been accepted for an internship at China Daily Multimedia Wuxi Co. Having previously worked at The Observer, a Ugandan weekly newspaper known for its investigative journalism and focus on in-depth articles, I was curious to see how things work in a media company in one of the world's most fast-paced countries.

My first day in the Wuxi office was exciting and nervous. Walking into the building, I was expecting the same kind of hustle and energy I had seen back home – a busy newsroom, people on the phone, and voices overlapping in intense debate. Instead, what I got was silence. A quiet, focused environment, with only the rhythmic clicks of keyboards breaking the stillness. It felt surreal, like stepping into a completely different world. I soon realized this was just how things worked here – calm on the outside but with a buzzing energy beneath the surface.

Angumya Edgar gives an interview as a spectator during the 2024 WDSF Asian Dancesport Festival held in Wuxi in July [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Each day brought new experiences that helped shape me, both as a professional and a person. From the start, my coworkers made me feel welcome, which made a difference in this new environment. Conversations with my friend and colleague Tim were a lifeline. He's helped me understand the nuances of Chinese working culture, giving me tips on how to adapt and make the most of my internship experience.

One of my favorite parts of a typical working day was stepping out with my colleagues during lunch break – something new for me, as it's not as common in Ugandan working culture. Wuxi's food is amazingly flavourful, with a surprising sweetness. Those breaks allowed me to disconnect from work for a bit, recharge, and return to my tasks with a clearer mind.

The Wuxi I-Park is a vibrant hub where various companies coexist, creating a dynamic blend of activity and tranquillity. The area strikes an incredible balance – on the one hand, it's bustling with energy, with people constantly moving between meetings, shops, and cafes; on the other, there's a serene, almost meditative atmosphere that provides moments of calm amidst the daily rush.

But not everything has been easy. Being one of the few African individuals in this space sometimes made me feel out of place. There are moments when I'm hyper-aware of the differences, especially during my breaks in the park. People stare, sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes out of surprise. It's not a hostile feeling, but it's there – a reminder that I stand out in ways I didn't back home. These moments have forced me to grow, to build a thicker skin, and to navigate these emotions with grace. It hasn't always been easy, but it's made me more resilient and open-minded.

Looking back on these early days as an intern, I've come to realize how important it is to embrace every part of the journey – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Every challenge I've faced has taught me something valuable, not just about work but about myself. And every small victory, whether connecting with a coworker or contributing to a project, has made me feel more at home here.

This internship has shown me that success isn't just about the work you produce; it's about the connections you make, the stories you share, and the way you grow alongside the people around you. I'm learning that it's okay to feel out of place sometimes because those are the moments that push you to grow the most.

Angumya Edgar hails from Uganda and is now pursuing an undergraduate degree at Donghua University in Shanghai.

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