" In the weeks leading up to the major exam, I grappled with uncertainty and struggled to find inspiration for my work. The task of presenting my ideas felt daunting. In my quest for creative guidance, I turned to the internet, immersing myself in a plethora of micro-films and stop-motion animations related to my theme. After extensive exploration, I settled on the challenging format of collage animation, a realm I had never ventured into before.
          Undaunted, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, learning the intricacies of collage animation through online resources. Along the way, I encountered numerous hurdles, from the quest for suitable materials to the complexities of layering. Despite these obstacles, I persevered, tackling each problem methodically. Yet, time remained a persistent adversary. The animation process proved far more time-consuming than I had anticipated, often limiting me to a mere five or six seconds of progress in a day. The relentless ticking of the clock filled me with anxiety.
          During this trying period, my teachers, parents, and classmates silently rallied behind me, offering invaluable support and periodic advice. Their unwavering presence kept me going. In the end, I triumphed over adversity, securing the coveted first outstanding achievement award in the country and earning the title of "Cambridge Outstanding Student."
          Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the saying, "If you keep it in mind, there will be repercussions. But when you do good deeds, don't worry about the future." Throughout this process, I discovered that the true reward lay not solely in the results achieved, but in the profound sense of fulfillment derived from the experiences, knowledge gained, and relationships forged along the way.
          In essence, my passion led me to willingly make sacrifices and enabled me to flourish. I've learned that, in life's limited time, it's crucial to stay true to one's original intentions, savor the journey, broaden one's horizons, and relentlessly pursue one's innermost passions."

Screenshots of Zou Yichu's work: