Illianka Zheng Zhang (Sociolinguistics, 2009, County) tells how her time at Lancaster encouraged her to explore and, after initially starting a career in academia, she transitioned to a role in clinical aromatherapy.

" Today, as a visiting professor and the founder of my own aromatherapy company, I carry with me the defining lessons from Lancaster University: to think critically, stay open, and act bravely. My journey—from sociolinguistics to aromatherapy —is rooted in the University’s guiding truth: “Truth lies open to all.”

My path began in 2006 as a Sociolinguistics student at County College. I was immersed in a world-class environment that taught me to analyse the deep interactions between human behaviour and society. This fostered my critical thinking—a vital soft skill that has guided every step of my career, starting with my first role as a linguistics lecturer at Wenzhou University in China.

Yet beyond academics, Lancaster gave me something even more transformative: the courage to explore. The free and exploratory atmosphere challenged my perspectives and broke down my "wisdom barrier." It taught me humility and the importance of letting in all information for true understanding to follow. I learned that life need not follow a single, static script. Lancaster truly became my "gate to truth" and a catalyst for courageous self-discovery.

This courage to explore led to a dramatic career shift. After three years in academia, I transitioned into Clinical Aromatherapy, driven by a curiosity for the law of destiny and a passion for natural healing and the love for life inspired during my time in the UK. I qualified as a clinical aromatherapist and registered tutor and deepened my knowledge about plant magic from the pyramids of Egypt to the Amazon rain forest of South America.

Driven by a calling to help vulnerable children, I later joined a green healthcare initiative in South America, where I worked alongside my mentor using aromatherapy to support critically ill and HIV-positive children—both physically and emotionally. That profound experience inspired me to write 'My Favourite Children’s Aromatherapy Book', whose first edition sold 2,000 copies in China.

My therapeutic blends have since been recognised with Gold and Bronze at the 2022 European Good Design Awards and Silver at the 2023 Muse Design Award, praised for their “high value of social contribution and sustainable development.” Following these honours, I received endorsements from distinguished elites including a State University President, a Supreme Court judge, Nuclear Physicists, a Chinese official at the United Nations, Stanford University Professor, and medical doctors etc.

Lancaster University holds a very special place in my heart. I will always be a proud red rose, and will continue to shine, contributing love and wisdom wherever I go."