On the evening of September 11, University Vice President Tang Tao took over Runyang Gymnasium to teach his first class for the 2018 freshmen. This is the second lecture of this series, following University Council Chairperson Guo Yurong’s class that followed the 2018 Convocation.
The theme of this “First Class” was “My study advice to college students.” Tang Tao provided important suggestions from four aspects. He talked about their core basic and professional knowledge, the reasonable combination of learning and extracurricular activities, the characteristics of SUSTech, the willingness to live out their own wonderful lives.
“University is a golden time for learning. It is very important to learn both your core basic and professional knowledge. Students should lay a good foundation for life.” Tang Tao said. The first suggestion he made to the students was to understand the knowledge and get a deep understanding. He felt that to learn a specialty is particularly important, as is the willingness to cultivate a passion for learning with which to master the hard sciences. Tang Tao gave the example of learning mathematics and English, in that we can sum up the learning essentials as “method + time.” He emphasized that “you will never spend too much time learning mathematics or English.
The second suggestion that Tang Tao put forward for the students is: to cultivate a passion for their own learning and to exchange learning experiences among friends. He pointed out that after entering university, students will have many opportunities to participate in social activities and campus activities. As a freshman, learning is as challenging as climbing a mountain. Mastering the basic skills must be the most important thing every student does, and they must balance their learning with taking part in extracurricular activities. Later, Tang Tao also introduced the superior laboratory platform of SUSTech, the first-class tutor guidance and financial support for the students. He hoped that students would take advantage of everything on offer at SUSTech and make high-quality professional choices. After four years, they would have many choices. They could continue their studies as domestic graduate students or travel to prestigious international universities, start their own business as entrepreneurs, or enter the high-tech fields such as engineering and R&D.
Finally, Tang Tao summarised up the report. He said that after entering SUSTech, everything changes, and learning your true abilities is the most important thing. He encouraged the students to find their interests, to be diligent and passionate, to be determined and practical. Tang Tao placed high expectations on the students. He hoped that after 30 years, SUSTech students could produce world-class scientists, master world-class technologies and establish corporations with original technology.
During the Q&A session, the students enthusiastically raised many questions. Some of the issues raised included how to deal with social media, how to find their own interests and the essential reasons for choosing mathematics. Vice President Tang provided detailed answers that delved into his personal experience.
Tang Tao also provided a new semester message to the students: “Things must be divided into priorities. Your first year at university is the most important. You will develop a real understanding and real learning. Even in times of loneliness, you can persist and persevere to find what you are looking for.”
The class was hosted by the Political Education and Research Center, and more than 800 students from the six Residential colleges listened to the report.
