Vice principal addresses this year’s new student intake: “Setting Sail and Charting the Course Ahead”

Time:2011-10-17 08:32:20 Clicks:

On the afternoon of 25th September 2011, the Vice Principal Prof. Jiang Jingfa held a special lecture in the academic hall of the Centre for Modern Education Technology. Taking "Setting sail and Charting the Course Ahead" as the theme, Professor Jiang intended to use the lecture to help the 2011 new intake of undergraduates in the International School to better fit in, thus gaining a sense of direction for their future.

Professor Jiang divided the lecture into three parts: setting clear targets, realistic study plans and a correct professional understanding. By presenting a series of real life examples, he illustrated the importance of valuing time, having high standards and aspirations, and working hard towards the future. He recommended that, after due consideration, students should set their goals as early as possible, and that they should make plans for short, medium, and long-term goals, since four years of university life is short but crucial. He discussed university studies from the three perspectives of ethics, intellect and physical development: ethics are fundamental, physical development is our building blocks, and we must not neglect intellectual development. He encouraged students to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and become a responsible member of society. He urged students to redouble their efforts on physical training. Inheriting the combined benefits of growth and achievements of the International School, students are urged to be proactive in their studies, by making full use of our resources, the School’s English learning environment, foreign teachers and overseas students. At the same time, Professor Jiang recommended that we should have a correct understanding of our profession. Instead of being limited by demarcations in professional fields, we should widen our scope, build a solid professional foundation, and pay attention to professional core studies. In addition, we should put our studies into practice, and develop our professional skills through our interaction with our society. Students were very absorbed during the lecture and made notes from time to time. Many said that Professor Jiang was sincere and earnest, and through his lively lecture, they had gained a more comprehensive understanding of university life ahead.

After the lecture, we had a brief interview with Professor Jiang. He said that the aim of the lecture is to allow the new undergraduates to correctly understand the International School and their chosen field of studies, and to clarify their learning goals, before they embark on their university life properly. As for expectations, Professor Jiang hoped that through this lecture, students were encouraged to reflect on university studies, and that everyone will understand that the ultimate goal of higher education is not simply learning professional skills, but also to learn how to deal with people, and to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and the many skills required for the development of our society.