In the afternoon on June 3, 2015, the first “Learn-Think-Do Lecture” co-organized by SUSTC Volunteer Team, SUSTC Public Welfare Organization(PWO) was held in Lecture Room 111 in the library where our teachers and students listened attentively to the spectacular report by Gao Zhengrong, President of Shenzhen Volunteer Union’s Council. In line with the theme of “Best Youth Days with Devotion”, President Gao shared his view on “how to be a volunteer” by introducing his 14 years experience as a volunteer. 

Gao Zhengrong sharing his experience

“A lot of people nowadays show no gratitude and can hardly deal with the setbacks. With uncertain outlook on their future and lack of life meaning, they take fame and fortune as a goal instead, which gets them on a wrong track with no turning back…” Gao Zhengrong, being quite honest, shared his childhood and teenage stories at the very beginning. In his words, he was quite isolated then and it was the care from his high school president and math teacher that changed his mind, making him be a man with appreciation for others and the society. The 14 years of voluntary works has been a life-changing experience for him. Today, President Gao, as the head of “Deathbed Care” project, brings warmth to thousands of cancer patients with no friends and families apart from enriching his life.

President Gao’s lecture was very relaxing and humorous during which he also introduced a couple of principles that a volunteer has to bear in mind. First of all, “volunteer” means to work with no pay, to actively devote ourselves into the services for others. In this sense, social responsibility is a moral requirement for all volunteers. Secondly, while serving others, it happens a lot that we have to give up our own rights and to sacrifice our interest for those in need, so it is vital to deal with everything with ease and learn to be regardless of personal gain and loss. At last, on the road to be an exceptional volunteer, we need not only a grateful heart, but also correct behaviors and to take criticism and misunderstanding in a scientific and dialectical manner. Only in this way can we genuinely make a great volunteer.   

The lecture was quite instructive for students, and they were also deeply moved by the “Deathbed Care” project. In his 14 years of volunteer life, President Gao totally served 300 to 400 people, and from the last messages sent by some of the patients he served, we learned that his works were, anyway, paid off — a number of them decided to donate their organs for free after their death. Moreover, this project was also a process for volunteers to develop their mental power, to challenge themselves, to build appreciation for life and being alive and finally to grow. 

Students giving their ideas

    After listening attentively to the lecture, our students expressed their hope to be a part of Shenzhen Volunteer, and those from SUSTC PWO also raised their doubts. In his answer to how to actively involve everyone into the voluntary works, Gao Zhengrong stressed that it’s necessary to strengthen the interaction and connection between volunteers, to give everyone a feel that “we are a team”. Only in this way can be break the mental barriers and make greater progress.

Activity Introduction:

 “Learn-Think-Do Lecture” is a lecture-based exchange program launched by the Department of Student Affairs and the Youth League committee of SUSTC in order to develop students’ ideological and politician education. This program, aiming at guiding students ideologically, provides our staff and students a platform for sharing and exploring through reports or sharing lectures that focus on social issues, national strategies or other hot topics our students are concerned about.

 (Source: Publicity Department, SUSTC Youth League Committee,

Reporter: Li Muchun, Photographed by: Ma Ying)