The 2024 SISU new student convocation was held at Songjiang Campus on September 19, 2024. More than 2,800 new students from all over the world gathered here.

 Embrace the World and the Future

At the convocation, the school leadership pinned the SISU emblems on the shirts of the freshmen representatives. They expected each and every new SISU student to bear in mind the school motto of “Integrity, Vision and Academic Excellence,” and strive to become pillars of society, and not to fall short of the country and the times.

President Li, on behalf of all the SISU faculty and students, extended a warm welcome to the new students. On the 75th anniversary of SISU, he encouraged the students to emulate generations of SISUers, integrate their ideals with the needs of the country and the people, striving to become “multilingual+” professionals with linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness and subject matter expertise. Li put forward three expectations for the students: first, it is hoped that they make full use of the training platforms provided by the university to enhance language skills, strengthen humanistic and scientific literacy, and improve global communication competence; second, it is hoped that they go beyond the boundaries of disciplines, explore new knowledge across different fields, and develop interdisciplinary competencies; third, it is hoped that they maintain independent thinking and develop digital intelligence literacy in the era of AI, seize opportunities and confront challenges in times of change, and grow through practical experience. Let young aspirations set sail at SISU!

Professor Zhang Fan, dean of the Institute of Literary Studies, spoke on behalf of all the teachers. She used her personal experience of studying and teaching in SISU to show that “it is both lucky and happy to be a SISUer.” She encouraged the students to refine their expertise with devotion to the country, and cultivate scientific spirit and independent thinking. In the era of AI, students should have the courage to innovate and harness AI, and ride the wave of the great times. She hoped that the students would pursue truths with full enthusiasm, lead the spirit of the times and take the pioneering role with broad vision, firm national stand, noble personality, and enthusiasm and integrity to participate in public life.

Chen Mingyang, a freshman from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, spoke as a representative of the new students of 2024. “Without trying and experiencing, how can we acquire a clear sense of goals and self-knowledge?” Based on his experience, he shared his understanding of the SISU motto, and looked forward to future chances of deepening knowledge and enriching experience in the diverse, open, and excellence-driven environment of SISU. He intended to absorb nutrients from the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, and shoulder the mission of bridging the world among young people in the new era.

“Here, we can learn how to make Contacts extensively, face Conflicts or Contradictions, make Compromise or Concession, Control ourselves, and Change.” A short film named “Blooming” was played at the convocation depicting the choices of SISUers and the growth of individuals.

Young Dreams in Blossom

At the convocation, school leaders awarded certificates of honor to representatives of retired college soldiers of 2024, in order to commend the youth for undertaking their responsibility to join the army and serve the country with their knowledge.

All the freshmen were presented with the book World and Words: The Linguistic Approach of Hyperinformation Theory and Artificial Intelligence, which encourages them to integrate knowledge across domains, hone skills, and pursue truths with endeavor.

The song “We Are all Dream Chasers” sung by the counselors for the new students ignited the enthusiasm of the audience. Then, SISU Dance Troupe presented the dance “Blooming”, and the SISU Chorus sang “Song of SISI” in the end, wishing all the new students to pursue their dreams and shine brightly from this new starting point of life.

Impressions from New Students

SISUer@Chen Yanru: We were excited to attend the new student convocation. The speeches of teachers and senior students encouraged us to set up lofty aspirations, and broaden international horizons. Through trials and errors, we would be able to find our own roles and directions. Let us take our dreams as paddles to set sail, carry forward young students’ ambition and chant the touching notes of the school song. We will courageously forge ahead in the new era, with down-to-earth spirit and responsible attitude, displaying our youthful vigor.

SISUer@Lu Yining: Full of expectations, we stepped into the venue of the opening convocation. When the song of SISU rang out, an unprecedented sense of moving and belonging emerged from my heart. The words I most wanted to say was “It is worthwhile to come here!” The highlights of the performance, as well as the speeches of the school leaders and students made me feel the SISU spirit of concern for the world and dedication to the future. This strengthened my belief as a newsman of “passing on the torch, practicing earnestly, and going far and wide.” Hopefully, in future study and life, I could always keep the original dream and enthusiasm, and continue to explore the world , and embrace the future!

SISUer@Wang Kexuan: The chorus of the school song at the opening convocation made me feel the warm atmosphere, full of humanistic concern. Speaking of the most impressive place, it must be our library. Walking into it, I feel that I have entered the palace of knowledge, which ignites my strong desire for new knowledge. Since I studied foreign language as an undergraduate, SISU is the top 1 university for me to further my study. I also like Shanghai, an international metropolis. I hope to gain more advanced knowledge here, participate in more club activities, and become a better self.

“All the things in life should be done by ourselves;

Every step counts on the path to the world.”

May you, the SISU new students in 2024,

bravely chase dreams, weather the storm,

strive for success, and live up to youth.