Participants of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students don costumes of ethnic groups in Fujian province. CHINA DAILY

"That night was extraordinary," she recalls. "It felt like a true celebration of diversity, allowing us to embrace different cultures while reveling in songs and dances from around the world."

This summer, she represented Venezuela as the regional champion in the global finals of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students. Her journey culminated in winning the Americas championship and securing a coveted spot in the global top five.

"The best part about this competition was the chance to meet people from various countries, learn about their cultures and make lasting friendships," she says. "I communicated with them in Mandarin, since our native languages are different."