Somehow, it’s the time of year again. Students have started to move back to campus and this past weekend, more than 7,000 new BJUTers have already made this place home. University life is just like that — another year is passed by as quick as a day. While the memory of the commencement was still fresh, the faculty and staff members in each college had already started their preparation for the Fall Welcome. From the past week, the quiet summer filled with open roads, empty bike racks, short lines and plentiful parking is gone. For many, it’s a return to campus as they continue their studies. For the cohort of 7,000 freshmen, it’s the brand-new start of something incredibly special. For everyone, it’s a trip home. Sure, it might be a second home, but there’s no doubt about it, once you’re here, this place becomes your home.
All over campus, people are getting ready to start new chapters and make the coming year fantastic. As a some 30-year-long BJUTer, I always get more or less emotional and sentimental during this new student orientation week, automatically re-energized by the sunny, optimistic yet nervous excitement from the freshmen in the classrooms, dining halls, and hallways of all buildings. It reminded me why I do what I do. For these new blood on campus, it’s not about our past, but their futures.
As I prepare for the mass arrival of more than 20,000 students in about a week, I was always naturally trying to think about what advice I could give those students — been there, done that. It was not like those years when I was a dean, or a director for academic affairs, when I could directly stand in front of the freshmen for a first lecture, or explain the academic regulations, advices, and even warnings. Right now, I have to write them down just in case it might be of some use for somebody, who knows.
For more than 30 years at BJUT, the first thing I want to tell everybody again and again is that BJUT is a place full of possibilities and promise, and people determined to make a difference. It’s a place to try new things, to pursue your passions, to experience the University’s rich traditions, and to meet people who will make an impact on your life today and tomorrow. You are part of something bigger here. And when you leave, you will be ready to join our 160,000 BJUTers and do amazing things that make our BJUT family proud.
There’s some basic advice — Don’t skip class. Do your homework. Be responsive. Be safe. Have fun. Make friends. Make good choices. Pick a good major. Get good grades. The regular advice goes on and on for new college students. (But seriously, be responsive…every professor likes that.) But more than just the practical advice for freshmen, I offer the following for all students:
– Be grateful. This isn’t just college. This is one of the most incredible opportunities ever presented to you. Many young people around the world would give anything to go to school and will never be able to. Never, ever forget how fortunate you are and remember to thank those who helped you get here. Don’t ever take being a college student for granted.
– Make the most of it. This is a very special place. You could simply go to class, do your work and earn your degree — but you would be missing out on so much more that is offered here. Join one of the hundreds of clubs. Look into undergraduate research offerings. Volunteer in the community. Go to museums. Take in a show. The options are endless. If you are bored, you aren’t trying hard enough.
– Give back. You are now part of the BJUT family — again, more than 160,000 around the world. This family believes that giving back is just part of who we are. You don’t have to cure cancer to make a difference (though some of you might do that too). Fill the bus. Tutor a classmate. Pick up trash. Ride your bicycles to the right (This is very important! You will understand once you are here). Shovel snow for someone who can’t. You have talents and time that can help someone else and trust me; you’ll never feel bad about helping someone else.
– Be bold. Don’t sit back and let life happen to you — this is the only one you get so make it great. Try something new. Stand up for what’s right. Stand up for others. Explore everything. Look at the world of possibilities before you and attack them. You never want to have regrets.
– Be genuine. Don’t ever try to be someone you aren’t — everyone can see right through that. With more than 20,000 students on this campus, I guarantee that there is someone else who will like you just as you are.
– Be open to new things. College is about learning — so learn something! For goodness sake, find a way to do a study abroad course. Expand your worldview to one outside of our borders. Become a global citizen who understands other cultures. Talk to people everywhere who are very different from you. Expose yourself to diverse opinions, ideas and people and you will be amazed at how much you can learn.
– Never give up. BJUTers don’t give up; they just don’t. College isn’t easy — if it were, everyone would do it. You will have challenges but fight them head-on. Find solutions to the toughest problems. Give everything your all and simply find a way. You might not be perfect, but never throw in the towel completely. You don’t have to go it alone — ask for help when you need it.
– Be collaborative. This one kind of goes with being open to new things. Project an openness that lets others know you’re approachable, and approach others with a spirit of partnership. Every single person has something special to offer the world, but our collective power is simply astounding. Find the best in others and work together to make a difference.
– Be passionate. College is a place where you can discover what you love. You might start thinking you’ll follow one career path and find another that makes your heart sing. Follow what you love — you will spend a huge portion of your life working, so make sure it’s what you truly want to do.
– Seek out mentors. Life is hard and everyone can use some help. Talk to your professors or graduate assistants. Do an internship and find someone in the field to guide you. Never think you have all the answers and know that, most likely, someone else has faced whatever you’re facing. We old folks love nothing better than giving advice so use us.
– Be proud. Being a BJUTer is something special and a privilege. BJUTers are determined and will change the world and solve the most challenging problems. Amid all the schoolwork and fun, never ever forget that you are a BJUTer.
I still remember I used a suggestion from Harvard new student convocation by a faculty speaker in my first lecture for the Materials Science freshmen the other year, and he suggested the first-years privilege integrity over achievement, intellectual curiosity over accomplishments, and moral character over accolades. What a good suggestion! This exactly encourages all how everyone should practice scholarship in college, even in our whole lifetime.
Our community gets rebuilt each year with the arrival of each class. Everyone you meet here is unique, and everyone has his or her own story — and every single one of you was admitted because we saw something in you that we believed would enrich this special community. Listen to each other and embrace the challenging work of trying to understand the world from a perspective other than your own.
Welcome, new BJUTers!
Remember, you are an integral part of BJUT, and this makes you who you are.
Some contents of the article adapted and edited from MSU today and Harvard Gazette.