During the opening ceremony held on Sep. 12, President Jin Donghan delivered an inspiring speech to welcome 13,279 new students, emphasizing personal growth, self-awareness, and the importance of contributing to the nation’s future.
"Today, because of your arrival, our esteemed institution is vibrant and shining in the autumn sun," the president began, congratulating the new students on their acceptance into the university. He noted that the acceptance letter, in the school color blue, symbolized the students' hard work and dedication in achieving their dreams of higher education.
The president urged students to embark on a journey of self-discovery. "Understanding yourself is the first step toward understanding life," he stated, encouraging students to recognize their strengths and weaknesses to foster personal growth. He referenced ancient wisdom, quoting Socrates and Laozi, to underline the timeless value of self-knowledge.
He stressed the importance of aligning personal aspirations with national goals, particularly in light of the country’s vision for becoming a modern socialist nation by 2035.“These years in university are your prime time to develop the skills needed to contribute to our society,” he said, calling on students to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the new era.
The president also highlighted the values of Tianjin University, which has a rich history of promoting national strength and innovation. He encouraged students to inherit the“TJU Spirit,” characterized by patriotism, rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to innovation.
Students were urged to set their ideals as their guiding compass, with academic learning as their sail and hard work as their oars. The president emphasized that university life is a crucial period for shaping one’s values and that steadfast beliefs can help navigate life’s challenges.
In closing, the president inspired students to actively pursue their dreams and face challenges with resilience.
“From today on, let the TJU spirit imprint your journey,” he said, encouraging them to grow into responsible, capable individuals ready to contribute to society.
The speech resonated deeply with new students, setting a motivational tone for their academic journey ahead at Tianjin University.
By Eva Yin
