Editor’s Note:
If the youth are the hope of the future, their determination, passion and innovation are the force to bring about changes, changes that make a difference, the difference that advances human progress, and the progress that leads to a community with a shared future for mankind.
As China celebrates National Youth Day on May 4, meet some of our inspiring Tsinghua youth who have been striving for excellence and innovating for the future with great passion and concrete actions.
Chen Xiang: Fuel scientific exploration with passion and determination
“Tsinghua’s long-cherished ethos ‘Actions Speak Louder than Words’ has nurtured the truth-seeking spirit among us, which further directs us to frame our research with rigor and precision.”
After completing his undergraduate study at Tsinghua in 2016, Chen Xiang commenced his PhD specializing in energy chemistry. Years of dedication have turned him into a well-established independent researcher and sharpened his edge in spotting complex scientific issues and mapping out plans for solutions.
Chen's research has been published in top-ranking international journals, which made him become the only PhD student at Tsinghua to be named among those Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate Web of Science. Currently, he serves as a Shuimu Tsinghua Scholar, a prestigious and competitive program launched by Tsinghua for leading and innovative researchers in various fields.
“Major challenges such as COVID-19 make the world full of uncertainties. And the development of scientific research in China faces many challenges as well as opportunities, which calls for the efforts and devotion of us young researchers,” he says.
Harood Nishat: No sports, no Tsinghua
“Life here at Tsinghua is like a box of chocolates, full of possibilities.”
Harood Nishat, a Pakistani graduate student from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, spoke as a guest speaker at an iTalk event. He completed a 110 lap run (44kms) to celebrate Tsinghua’s 110th Anniversary.
Taking about the underpinning force for his persistence, Harood makes a special mention of Tsinghua’s long-cherished sports tradition of “No sports, no Tsinghua,” as well as the spirit of “Always moving forward with persistence and fortitude,” the power that helps sustain his never-failing effort throughout his athletic training.
Harood is motivated to contribute to the relationship between China and his home country of Pakistan. “I do want to play a role as a TsinghuaRen in the everlasting and ever-growing friendship between Pakistan and China and shouldering the social commitment to build a better future for humankind,” Harood says.
Ekaterina Kaligaeva: Share Tsinghua stories with the world
“At Tsinghua, I’ve learned to be open to new things and to be innovative. Tsinghua has broadened my horizons and made me look at things from different perspectives. I do not know where I would be if not for Tsinghua. Tsinghua is like my second home.”
Ekaterina Kaligaeva, an international student from Belarus, is an undergraduate in the School of Journalism and Communication. Since entering Tsinghua, Ekaterina has had multiple opportunities to represent Tsinghua University and her country in many Chinese national TV shows, such as “Chinese Bridge” and “Happy Camp,” CCTV “Chinese Story”, “China and Me”. She has also hosted several Tsinghua official events, including the 2019 New Year Gala, and the 2018 Freshmen Enrollment Ceremony.
For her outstanding contributions to the University’s global communication by sharing Tsinghua’s stories with the world, she was awarded as one of the eight students for the first cohort of Tsinghua Global Student Ambassadors.
“Be brave and don’t to be afraid to take on challenges that come towards you. Try to leave your comfort zone and experience new things as much as you can!”
Cai Zezhou: Find the path that suits you the most
“I believe there are many different paths to take in this world. There is no need to rush; find the path that suits you the most.”
Cai Zezhou, a PhD student from the School of Public Policy and Management, has continued her academic career in Tsinghua since she graduated from Tsinghua’s School of Law in 2016.
After finishing her undergraduate law degree, she received the Fulbright Scholarship to study at Georgetown University. With the mindset of “choosing to leave for a better return,” Zezhou returned to Tsinghua to join the Schwarzman Scholars program.
As a result of her education both in Tsinghua and abroad, Zezhou firmly believes that the analysis and discussion of public policy and administration fit her interests. She hopes to solve current social issues through public policy and administration, which motivates her to pursue a PhD at the School of Public Policy and Management.
“I didn't set a clear goal; instead, I would open up my mind, experience extensively, and gradually form my direction.”
With their enthusiasm, creativity, and ceaseless effort, youth around the world play important roles in various fields and contribute to society immensely. The future world, which faces both challenges and opportunities, calls for more dedication and efforts from the young talents now more than ever.