We met each other in this autumn. On the very first day of this term, new students came to Diligentia College, our warm family. They met their new roommates, amiable master, Prof. Gu Yang, wardens, tutors, and the teachers in College Office…From now on, we will stand by you all the time. As the new term began, Resident Student Association of Diligentia College (RSADC) led the freshmen to visit the college through a live virtual tour, and held a “To-do List of 12 Little Things” activity to help them learn more about college life.  Media Center of Diligentia College (MCDC) offered a mailbox called “time capsule” to students, you could deposit what you want to say to yourselves in the form of recordings or letters in it. MCDC will mail these to you one year later. Besides, other student organizations including Sports Association of Diligentia College (SADC), Diligentia Nonprofit Organization Open Rain (OR), Infinite Outdoor Association of Diligentia College (IOADC) and the choir of Diligentia College were all actively recruiting new members and welcomed all of you to join.

The orientation ceremony of Diligentia College and ice-breaking took place at sunken square on the evening of September 4th. The ceremony began with two pieces of dances called What is Love and Yes OK! performed by PinkPunk, the dance crew of Diligentia College. Then the vice president, Prof. Zhu Shiping delivered a welcome speech. Next, the associate vice president and master of Diligentia College, Prof. Gu, addressed the ceremony. She said, “University life is a new journey and a special stage for you. It’s a valuable period.” She also explained the true meaning of “college” to us. It’s a place that can be regarded as home where college mates, tutors, and wardens are all beside you.

What’s more, Prof. Gu said that we’re expected to explore and discover this world, to accept the diversity, to make friends with schoolmates from different countries and different backgrounds, to cultivate creativity and curiosity, to build up global vision and leadership skill, and to be the young full of enthusiasm and fearlessness, who are willing to serve the society. 2020 is unusual. The epidemic is a challenge to all human beings and a meaningful lesson for us young people. Through the epidemic, we got a better understanding of sacrifice and dedication. Finally, Prof. Gu encouraged students to exert their subjective initiative to make full use of facilities  in our college, and try to discover themselves on a deeper level. Besides, she advised us to schedule time properly to find what we love, do what we can and gain what we want. The scholarship awarding ceremony was held after Prof. Gu’s speech. 50 students were awarded this school year.

After the awarding ceremony, the sophomore in Diligentia College and the third chairman of RSADC, Zhou Xinhao made a speech as a student delegate. During the speech, he introduced series of activities held by RSADC, including “Halloween Night”, the “New Year Party”, “3R Flea Market” and so on. RSADC aims to enrich students’ school lives and encourage everyone to take part in activities. All students are welcomed to join the student organizations to contribute to the development of our college and make it a better place. At last, Zhou ended his speech with a watchword of RSADC, said “What you feel is what we feel. What we do is all for you.”

In the end, the choir of Diligentia College performed the college anthem A Window to the World. “Cultivating the self to serve society, pursuing excellence to achieve moral integrity” is the motto of Diligentia College, and it should be engraved in our minds. Ice-breaking started after the ceremony. 24 groups of freshmen were led by 48 College Mates to 11 spots to participate in group games. 

This special night was enlivened by cheers and laughter. The new life is free and fascinating. It is also full of unknowns and possibilities. May you always remember this sweet moment of setting out on a new journey. No matter how far we go much later, do not forget why we start and that we ever started together.