Processor Chen Na, Vice Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, Nankai University (NKU), attended the “Appointment with Mentors - Afternoon Tea for Communication between Teachers and Students” in Room 108, Xiushan Hall on March 25, giving a lecture titled Nothing but Enthusiasm Brightens up the Endless Years - A Talk about Growth with Young Students”. Starting with her over 20 years of scientific research and teaching experience, Chen Na shared her stories of requiting the youth with enthusiasm and inspiring youngsters to press ahead unceasingly. Li Hui, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice Dean of the School, hosted the meeting, and more than 70 students attended the lecture.
Chen Na shared her experiences and insights from three different identities: a Ph.D., a teacher, and a scholar. As a PhD in Journalism, Chen focused on her studies and read a lot of publications on journalism and communication as well as interdisciplinary fields to broaden her horizons. At the same time, she extended her territory of doing research to other places across the country and got a closer view of diverse customs and traditions. As a teacher, Chen strived to improve her teaching level and won a host of awards in teaching competitions. Meanwhile, she emphasized communication and common progress with like-minded colleagues, generously sharing her teaching experience. As a scholar, Chen devoted herself to studying media ideology and teaching art and carried out in-depth research on oral history. Her interviews with over 30 prestigious scholars in journalism and communication left a deep impression on the students.
Chen Na’s stories of academic learning and research encouraged the youngsters to keep going forward, “Just as polishing makes jade finer, adversity makes one stronger. You are the one that determines what kind of life you deserve in the future. With willpower, you can tide over all hardships when you are forging ahead, as these hardships are inevitable for everyone.” When asked about what kind of life is the most meaningful, she, based on her three unforgettable moments–being awarded the National May 1 Labor Medal, being titled “National Positive and Kind Youth”, and attending the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of May Fourth Movement–explained how individuals should grow from mediocrity to excellence and from excellence to superiority. Using the metaphor of water droplets dripping into the sea, Chen Na called on students to devote them to the construction of motherland and combine their self-actualization with the grand aspirations of building a great country and advancing rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At the end of the lecture, Chen Na concluded with a poem by Bing Xin, summarizing her more than 20 years of teaching and learning as nothing but enthusiasm brightens up the endless years. She encouraged students to live up to the expectations of the times and firmly uphold their ideals and beliefs for the future with enthusiasm. Chen Na’s lecture ended with a huge round of applause from the audience.
The School of Journalism and Communication will continue to organize the teacher-student exchanges through “Appointment with Mentors”, fully leverage the role of full-time teachers in student education and training, and help the School’s students develop in a well-rounded manner.
