Speech by Teacher Representative at Opening Ceremony for New Students of Class 2024

2024-09-09

Speech by Associate Professor Zhang Xinyu from School of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing at Opening Ceremony for New Students of Class 2024

Respected leaders, teachers, and dear students:

Good morning, everyone!

I am Zhang Xinyu from the School of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing. Today, I am honored to have the opportunity to speak as a representative of the faculty. On behalf of all the teachers, I would like to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt greetings to the new students of Class 2024! We welcome you as the new members of HUTB.

A new chapter in life begins in early autumn, and a vibrant new journey of youth unfolds beautifully at HUTB. In recent years, under the leadership of Academician Chen Xiaohong, Secretary of CPC HUTB Committee, the university has taken the lead in promoting interdisciplinary integration, optimizing the layout of schools, disciplines, and majors. This has resulted in a historic leap in educational levels and significant growth in overall strength. The campus has also undergone transformative changes, with "small changes each year, significant changes every three years, major changes every five years, and a complete transformation every ten years." Dear students, you are in the prime of your lives, and you have arrived at HUTB, which is on the path to becoming "the fastest-growing and best university in history, with the highest reputation and recognition." How can you make the most of your university years and ensure that you meet the best version of yourself four years from now in mid-summer? I would like to share three points for our mutual encouragement and progress.

First, please believe in the power of "belief"

Dear students, entering university is a deeply transformative period that requires you to face challenges in learning, socializing, and other aspects of life with a degree of independence. You may encounter various difficulties, so it's essential to believe in the power of "belief." However, "belief" does not mean blind confidence or fantasy; rather, it is a spirit of being grounded and pragmatic. Choose a task and commit to it, keep your head down and focus on the journey without questioning the future. "Strive without regrets and strive without reservation." On September 3, the Provincial Science and Technology Conference and Science and Technology Award Conference was held in Changsha, where Academician and Secretary Chen Xiaohong received the Hunan Province Science and Technology Outstanding Contribution Award. This honor not only recognizes her decades of dedication to scientific research but also pays tribute to her relentless pursuit of scientific truth and her service to the country's major strategic needs. Regarding the "god-like" experiences that many people admire, Academician and Secretary Chen Xiaohong always smiles and says, "It's not about being naturally gifted, but rather that hard work is rewarded." Therefore, if your efforts align with your dreams, then your dreams will surely not disappoint your hard work.

Second, please believe in the power of "goodness"

University is the highest institution of learning, capable of enhancing a student's "hard skills" while also fostering "soft skills." It helps you resonate with the main theme of our nation's rejuvenation as you face diverse choices in life, allowing your youth to shine in promoting the core values of socialism and achieving the unity of personal fulfillment and greater accomplishments. In recent years, HUTB has upheld the motto of "Sincerity & Credibility; Pragmatism & Innovation," continuously focusing on education in civility and ethics. It has established a benchmark for virtuous conduct, allowing the spirit of civilization to permeate every corner of the campus and cultivating numerous practitioners of morality and leaders of spirit. Whether it's Chen Yanbo, who bravely injured himself to protect passengers on train K1347, or Lei Xiaodong, recognized as a "Good Person of Changsha" for his acts of kindness, they all choose to do good and spread the power of growth. Classmates, only by maintaining your inherent kindness, striving for goodness, cultivating virtuous character, and valuing morality and beauty can you truly move forward steadily and achieve lasting success.

Third, please believe in the power of "knowledge"

The argument that "knowledge is useless" periodically resurfaces online. Some college students spend their days hiding in their dorms, sleeping, binge-watching shows, and playing games, only to complain in their senior year that "going to university hasn't helped me at all, I didn't learn anything," and then find themselves unemployed. They forget that they have never respected knowledge, their teachers, or the classroom, and that they have never put in the effort. Classmates, you are the most vibrant and innovative group, and you should be at the forefront of the pursuit of truth and innovation. I hope everyone will make the pursuit of knowledge their goal, maintain curiosity and a desire to learn, and actively participate in the construction of major research platforms like the Xiangjiang Laboratory within HUTB. Engage in activities like technology exhibitions and AI art shows to experience "Science and Technology HUTB," and take part in competitions such as "Internet+," the Challenge Cup, and "Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship" Competition to embrace "Young HUTB." Attend various events like the Academician Forum and Lushan Lecture to encounter diverse ideas and listen to the voices of masters, transforming "I have to learn" into "I want to learn," and changing "learning for a while" into "learning for a lifetime."

Finally, I sincerely wish every new student in the Class 2024 the best as they embark on their dreams at HUTB and achieve academic success!

Thank you all!