
Zhong Tianyu, currently serving as the President of the Tsinghua University Student Union, graduated from the Class of 2024 at Xinya College, majoring in Politics, Economics, and Philosophy (PPE). He is about to begin his graduate studies at the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University. This article features Zhong Tianyu's speech at the opening ceremony for the Class of 2028 undergraduate students at Tsinghua University.
Dear fellow students, teachers, and friends,
Good morning!
At this special moment, please allow me to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the senior students and the Tsinghua University Student Union to all the first-year students of the Class of 2028!
Upon arriving at school, you met the roommates you will spend the next four years with. I still remember how reserved I was when I first arrived here, even addressing my roommates deferentially. However, candid late-night chats and long-distance running gradually brought us closer, transforming our dormitory into our home at Tsinghua University. The friction between us ultimately nurtured our friendships and became precious memories, proving that sincere relationships can help us transcend our individual limitations and find warmth within the community. For fresh graduates of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering Class 01 at Xingjian College, a small episode from our freshman year remains vivid in our minds. One of our classmates accidentally injured herself, and others took turns accompanying her to and from class, rain or shine, for an entire month. Later, she wrote in a letter to the class: "It was you, my brothers and sisters from this big family, who pulled me back from the brink of despair." The bond formed through such moments of companionship elevates our camaraderie, illuminating our college life like sunshine. At our school, there are many "second groups", where you'll meet schoolfellows from different departments and grades, forming a "comrade-in-arms" relationship with them because of your like-mindedness. During my sophomore year, I joined the Student Union. Our seniors often mentioned the motto, "Long live friendship, youth, and dreams!" Indeed, friendship witnesses our youth and fulfills our dreams. As I put on my academic dress and reflected on my college life, memories flooded back—the countless days and nights spent side by side with my friends, the over 10,000 goodie bags we filled after tens of hours of hard work, the heavy rain we braved together at the Graduation Music Festival, and the freshman handbook meticulously prepared and proofread for all of you. Pure friendships possess the ability to harness the power of companionship as we journey through life together.
As you settle into campus life, you are about to begin your first semester at Tsinghua University. Have you ever pondered what we study for? Different people may have different answers, but I believe we can all agree that grades are by no means the sole meaning of learning. I have a habit of asking "why" whenever I see something new or observe an interesting social phenomenon. I will jot down my spontaneous thoughts and send them to myself. Over time, File Transferring Assistant has become the WeChat friend that occupies the most memory on my phone. This curiosity and thirst for knowledge have fueled my passion for exploring the world with great interest and courage. There was a course I particularly enjoyed, and after class, I would follow the teacher from the Third Teaching Building or the Sixth Teaching Building all the way to his office downstairs. This class always took place in the afternoon, and this journey unfolded beneath the dancing shadows of the trees. Sometimes, when our conversation was not quite finished, we would sit together on a bench downstairs and continue discussing. I found myself overwhelmed by the richness of knowledge at times. Yet, I was still like a small fish swimming behind a larger one, following the lead of my teacher. Meticulously taken notes, repeatedly verified data, and students buried in books at the library, or the lights in the laboratory—all these epitomize the pure academic atmosphere that has always been the most beautiful landscape in Tsinghua University.
Of course, we have experienced many other things during our undergraduate studies, and Tsinghua University has brought us so much more. On July 1, 2021, I had the honor of being present at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Standing in Tian'anmen Square, close to the very "heart" of our nation, my classmates and I passionately vowed, "Please rest assured. We will contribute to the development of the country." When I heard General Secretary Xi Jinping solemnly announced that China had achieved the first centenary goal and was forging ahead towards the second centenary goal, a montage of historical moments flashed through my mind. Over the past century, countless people with lofty ideals have remained true to their original aspirations, amassing immense strength for the rejuvenation of our nation. I also felt completely immersed in this moment, aspiring to make due contributions. This summer vacation, I traveled to Minqin County in Gansu Province for social practice. Jiao Sanniu, a Tsinghua University alumnus who graduated in 2011 and is currently the Mayor of Minqin County, stood on a sand dune wearing a straw hat and shared with us the inspiring stories of local officials and residents who have devoted themselves to combating desertification for decades. The straw checkerboards have successfully prevented the merger of the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert, China's third and fourth largest deserts, respectively. Looking at his swarthy face and determined gaze, I suddenly understood what it means to have "pure love, solely for China". All the tremendous changes taking place on this land have solidified my belief in the power of purity.
Dear fellow students, a new chapter has begun. I hope that we will not forsake our inner goodness amidst the complexities of life, lose the spark of inspiration in our pursuit of knowledge, or let the multitude of choices compromise our sincere beliefs. Let us practice innocence in our interactions, experience authenticity in our studies, and pursue purity in our careers. As the light of Tsinghua University guides our path and the gentle breeze accompanies us, may we remain steadfast in our clear and sincere hearts!
Thank you!