My name is Lara Connaughton. Currently I'm a scholar at Schwarzman College completing a Masters in Global Affairs. This year I’m the administrative chair of the student government here and we have taken part in some great events with the graduate and international students of Tsinghua. It has been fantastic meeting the Tsinghua students from both China and abroad - in the lovely canteens and cafes on campus, in some classes we take together, and through the various student societies. As my friends know back home, I was never very athletic. But there is a wonderful emphasis put on sports here. Last year, the female Schwarzman scholars set up a soccer team, and we have kept the tradition going. Being part of the Tsinghua family has been a really special experience. Even when we travel around China, no matter how far away we get from Beijing, you can be sure that everyone knows the Tsinghua name! Best of luck to all at Tsinghua in 2018 - ‘Go n- éiri an t- ádh libh’ - 加油!