Since its launch, the 26th “SHE · Blossoms” training program “Embracing Change” atEsther Hall has received enthusiastic responses and participation from students and teachers alike. In this thriving and blooming May, we embraced the power of change and listened to the voices of female role models together.
1. Dialogue Column
The dialogue column not only allows guests to share their experiences, but also encourages listeners to actively ask questions, to engage in a two-way interaction and gain personal growth.
Dialogue with Outstanding Alumna: Change is not a Leap, but a Resilient Step-by-Step Process
On May 14th, Jin Xiaoyi, a 2010 graduate of English major, shared her story of feeling both frustrated and proud while constantly questioning herself. In 2012, Jin Xiaoyi caught the last ride of the “Semester at Sea” project. (Note: “Semester at Sea” is a global learning project supported by the University of Virginia. Each semester, the MV Explorer cruise ship, carrying more than 600 outstanding students and professors from all over the world, circles the earth for a week-long study-abroad program.) She traveled to more than a dozen countries and regions, experiencing different cultures, landscapes and the vibrant world. The broadening of her horizons and academic progress were not the only gifts from this journey. The belief in constantly questioning herself enriched her soul.
(Alumna Sharing Scene)
On May 15th, Mo Qianping, an 2011 graduate of Applied Mathematics major, shared her story of dreams and hard work. She emphasized that while chasing her dreams, there were difficulties and surprises. By embracing challenges and constantly striving in the right direction, she gradually approached her dreams. She missed the opportunity to study abroad in the United States and was also rejected by The Chinese University of Hong Kong. However, in the face of difficulties and changes, she never gave up trying and continued to work hard. She eventually graduated with the highest overall GPA in her class, successfully obtained an offer from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and was pleasantly surprised to receive the award medal fromShantouUniversity.
(Alumna Sharing Scene)
On May 22nd, Wang Hui, a senior student majoring in Advertising from the class of 2014, shared her thoughts on life attitude. She emphasized the importance of maintaining passion and enjoying life. Since studying at Shantou University, Wang Hui has constantly participated in various activities, seeking self-discovery. As a result, she went to Taiwan as an exchange student before her senior year, which further ignited her desire to explore the outside world. After spending three years in Australia and experiencing changes such as the pandemic and work, her attitude towards life has changed. She now focuses on health, self-discipline, actively expanding her social circle, constantly challenging herself, and enjoying the beauty of life.
(Alumna Sharing Scene)
Dialogue with Chaoshan Women: Using their Charm and Strength to Lead the Way and Contribute to the Development of Society with the Power of Women
Excellent female entrepreneurs continue to emerge in the Chaoshan region, breaking conventional thinking and showcasing the elegance of Chaoshan women through their actions. They work hard and strive for excellence in their careers, while exuding confidence and being proactive in exploring new opportunities, radiating their own unique charm.
On May 18th, Chen Weilin, the General Manager of Shantou Bojing Landscape Engineering Co., Ltd., spoke from the perspective of “resilience of life” and shared her entrepreneurial journey. The word “resilience” represents both the soft yet firm wisdom, as well as the unyielding belief in overcoming difficulties and the perseverance to never give up.
(Picture from Event Scene)
The second speech was delivered by Weng Xiuxia, the Principal of Oxford International Chenghai Wangde Kindergarten. She shared her personal growth journey and interpreted the challenges she faced at different stages of her life. It was through growing up in an environment of “nothingness” and the path of entrepreneurship that she eventually became unique and exceptional.
(Picture from Event Scene)
Dialogue with the Dean of the Women’s College: The Power of Women’s Development
On May 27th, Professor Zhao Yuan, the former dean ofGinling College at Nanjing Normal University, gave a “Her Role Model” lecture to the students of Shantou University. The event was held in the form of online live streaming and offline participation, with more than 200 students and teachers participating. Professor Zhao emphasized that in this rapidly developing and diverse era, the power of women’s awakening and development cannot be ignored. Women who are more independent, have more leadership skills, and understand how to grasp their own autonomy are shining in various fields. She also hoped that women would continue to improve their leadership roles in their families and careers, constantly gathering into a stronger force to better promote social development.
(The Sharing Picture By Prof. Zhao)
In Professor Zhao’s gentle but heart-warming words, the participating teachers and students deeply pondered the development of women today and discussed the problems women face in society. She pointed out that every woman has the right to choose the life she wants. We should not be bound by stereotypes, but should plan ahead, be willing to try, and open ourselves up to pursue our own unique brilliance within our principles!
(Picture from venue branch)
2.“You Can” Column
The Innovative Thinking Workshop in the“You Can” column will help you better understand yourself, while the stories of the“You Can Do It” speakers will inspire you to explore yourself and grow continuously.
You Can Do It Innovative Thinking Workshop: Knowing Yourself, Exploring Yourself
On May 20th, Esther Hall held the“SHE·Blooms” Innovative Thinking Workshop, inviting Wang Kankan, a teacher from the career development center of Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, as a guest speaker. The event was held in the multifunctional hall on the second floor of Esther Hall, and 20 students participated in the activity.
During the event, Wang prepared some scenarios for the students to consider and come up with solutions. She encouraged the students to brainstorm and find various solutions, choose three solutions, and create more complete solutions. Finally, each group of students presented their creative ideas.
Wang emphasized that today’s students often cling to traditional thinking patterns, starting with discovering and analyzing problems but neglecting other possible ways of solving them. To find the best solution, one must expand their thinking and explore more possible angles.
Graduate Speech in “You Can”: Starting with Change
The delicate sunlight of early summer accompanies another graduation season. On May 21st, in the report hall of the library, outstanding female graduate speakers Liu Kaixin, Zhao Jiaqi, Yang Yuqian, Zhai Yuting, Tang Yijie, and Long Zhiru shared their stories around the theme of “embracing change”.
Liu Kaixin, Nursing Class of 2018: The best way to adapt to change is to dare to change. Whether it’s breaking out of the confinement or comfort zone of life, there will always be worries or fears about the unknown. We should use it as a driving force to promote self-improvement and keep moving forward on the road to excellence.
Zhao Jiaqi, Administration Management Class of 2018: When everyone around her was advising her not to do “useless work”, she chose not to compromise. Because she knew that change and the unknown often meant a better version of herself. And on this difficult path she's been walking, she is not alone.
Yang Yuqian,Biomedical Sciences Class of 2018: Pursuing perfection and accepting imperfection can go hand in hand. When an opportunity arises, it is important to seize it and work to make changes when realizing one's own imperfections.
Zhai Yuting,Advertising Class of 2018: Some of her choices may seem like risks to others, and they may ask, “Aren’t you afraid of regret?” But “not doing it will lead to more regret.” This may come with the pain of transformation, but the joy of growth will never fade.
Tang Yijie,Environmental DesignClass of 2018: The “love for fun” and “ease” shown on the surface are actually backed by the determination to “have seen the four o’clock in the morning at Shantou University” and “lose five kilograms in three days”. In fact, there is never so much natural talent. Excellent people always work hard to overcome difficulties.
Long Zhiru,Environmental ScienceClass of 2020: She used to do what others wanted to see in her, but everyone can live with more than one color, so why not add a touch of camouflage blue?
(Picture from Event Scene)
SHE·Blooms with Floral Love on Mother’s Day: Spreading Love through Baking
On May 5th, on the last day of the Labor Day holiday and just before Mother's Day,Esther Hall held a “Floral Love Mother’s Day” flower cookie baking event, inviting Yang Yijian, a teacher from Guangdong Eastern Vocational and Technical College, as a guest. The event took place in the teaching kitchen on the first floor ofEsther Hall, with 24 students participating in the morning and afternoon sessions respectively.
During the event, Yang demonstrated the steps of making cookies to the students. Each group of students received a set of floral materials and a batch of dough that had already been prepared by the teacher, and began making flower-shaped cookies using rolling pins, scrapers, molds, and other materials. The teaching kitchen was filled with soothing background music and the cheerful laughter and chatter of the students.
(Picture from Event Scene)
The gentle breeze brings coolness, and May passes by slowly. Looking back on the month spent withEsther Hall, we draw strength from the “SHE ·Role Models”. We will embrace change and seek our own answers.
In June, Esther Hall will be with you.
