How to be a human - on the day of University Congregation 科大畢業典禮有感

A grateful moment 

My learning and thoughts on the Congregation day of HK University of Science and Technology

Today it might be one of the the happiest day for our family, relatives and Eugene's good friends. We gathered to the University campus to share his joy and achievement.

As a parent, a mother among the thousands of the graduates' parents, my heart at this moment is overwhelmed with gratitude, peace and happiness. It has been a journey of learning, growing up process at different phrases for both the kids and parents.

Well, looking back, what does a university mean to our young men ?
What does it mean for the graduates after immersing the the U life for three or more years?
What high education mean to the society?

I found the president, Professor Tony Chan's speech has given us an insightful view on what a university means to a young person.

He says students come here not only to learn knowledge, technology but to learn how to be a human, a contributing, open-minded, compassionate global citizen, with high integrity, "who will go on to have meaningful and beneficial lives that lead by example." I couldn't agree more.

I realized the most important thing to learn in U is critical thinking - analytic skills, to think rationally and in multidimensional approach. To arrive at conclusion based on facts and evidence.

He said, "Quick judgments, prejudice and small mindedness have no place in globalized society or any civilized society.

This brings to our young men to be respectful of people with different religions, opinions and stands. 

I believe to be respectful of others' views and to learn how to live in difference is the most challenging thing, a life learning process.

He said, "being respectful of others' views does not necessary mean you agree with them, but it actually helps you understand the issue better. " "Discussing an issue rationally is to gain new insight on how to reconcile difference - awesome - spark shred ideas and goals." 

Exactly!

Another thing to learn is how to persuade people - persuasive power while respecting others' choice! The soft skill instead of pressuring people to take a stand. 

Finally he stresses that to learn to be a responsible person - to be responsible for our own actions. Any blaming, making excuses or jumping in to criticize the system do no help to self development and society.

A milestone

How to excel your life potential ? 

Here is some advice from the presidents:

To excel your life potential
Through endurance, open-mindedness
Through cross-culture; awareness, 
Through courage, perseverance
Through adherence to justice, fail play
Through a drive to share the rewards of success and pass on experience to others.

6-10-2013