As she dedicated more time to improving her Mandarin, she participated in competitions, achieving one of her highest honors by securing third place in Thailand's Chinese Bridge contest, a competition in which Thai students showcase their language skills.

"One of my teachers is from Xi'an. She told me that the city has a long history and is the burial site of the country's first emperor, Qinshihuang. Since then, I hoped to travel to Xi'an," she says.

Thanks to her competition experiences, Wilawan visited several cities including Chongqing, Beijing, and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, before ultimately realizing her yearslong dream of starting college in Xi'an, a city that has existed for over 3,000 years and which has been the capital for 13 feudal dynasties.

But Wilawan's meeting with Ma led her to discover that China is more than a country with a rich history and culture; it also has modern and international facets.

"I have found China to be very convenient and comfortable, and people are friendly and welcoming," says Wilawan.