Dialogue @ ZJU | With Tim Clancy, one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Talents in Hangzhou”

Tim Clancy, an Australian student at ZJU was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Talents in Hangzhou” last month. As the first-ever non-Chinese winner of the award, Tim Clancy has lived in Hangzhou for nine years and served as an international volunteer for around five years. He and his Chinese wife have been committed to helping foreigners settle down in the city and introducing Hangzhou to the world. As an enthusiastic learner, Clancy took a double degree for Electrical Engineering and International Studies back in the University of Technology, Sydney, joined in a one-year program in Chinese language and culture at ZJU — which led him to Hangzhou, and is about to graduate this year as a bachelor of clinical medicine. Today we talk with Tim Clancy to take a glimpse of his busy life as a volunteer and a student in Hangzhou.

Over the years, you have been involved in many charitable causes in Hangzhou and you founded InJoy, an international volunteer club. What first led you to start volunteering? Could you share with us the most exciting project/experience you had as a volunteer?

I believe it all began when my wife and I saw children begging at the railway station. We were both very touched and wanted to do something for the children. Ever since, we have sent pens and pencils to school children in the mountainous regions.

We started InJoy International Volunteer Club as we felt it would be a good platform to gather like-minded individuals with a heart for the less privileged. Over the years, I have taught English to children in the Chun'an Xian, Qiandao Lake. Additionally, during the G20 period, I also taught English to the elderly in various communities around Hangzhou.

One of the projects I remember most vividly is the project we did for the general public at East Railway Station. Essentially, we helped to measure blood pressure for members of the public. Some people did not know what blood pressure was and didn't know their blood pressure level. As such, we helped to relate the importance of knowing one’s blood pressure, and encouraged participants to go to a hospital for a medical check-up if their blood pressure was out of the suitable range. At the same time, we collaborated with the Hangzhou Dental Hospital for a simple yet essential oral check-up for the general public. Free toothpaste was also given to the participants to encourage dental hygiene.

It can be seen that you have an exceptional passion for learning and trying different things. I am impressed by your experience of pursuing degrees in four totally different areas in China and Australia. What is the secret behind your passion for learning? 

I have always been generally interested in my surrounding and I like to look things up online when there is something I don’t know. I think it is this curiosity which drives me and gives me this passion for learning. In the future, I do hope to couple my background in engineering with my medical degree to do something in the biotechnology or medical technology field.

Tim Clancy did his surgery internship at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of ZJU School of Medicine in Yiwu, Zhejiang.

You have been a student at Zhejiang University for seven years. What do you think is special about the University?

To me, the long history of Zhejiang University makes it special. The university has a legacy of producing many scholars and notable people. Zhejiang University is an elite university rich in crème de la crème, only the top-notch students are found here. Furthermore, students from this university here make it to higher ends of industry and there is strong alumni association to support individuals who have graduated.

Given that you will be graduating this year, what post-graduation plans do you have for your career and life? Would you mind sharing three most important things you hope to do after graduation? 

First, I hope to continue promoting China and Chinese culture to the world. Second, I hope to use the medical knowledge I have acquired to make some improvements in some way shape or form for the better. In this aspect, I hope to understand and promote these technologies in a way that is useful to everyone. Finally, I do plan to spend more time with my children. For the past few years, I have spent much time away from my family as I strived to do my best in medical school and juggling all the other work that goes into helping to support my family and keep the show on the road at the same time. During this period of time, my family and I have sacrificed much for me, I hope to give them the quality time that they have missed over the years. I am looking forward to finishing the degree and I will be planning more family time for the future.

Photo: Tim Clancy

Ian Chew contributed to the interview.