2024-03-26
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Editor's Note: The fourth SCNU English Writing and Short Video Contest, themed "SCNU & Me", ended with 312 entries from 39 different schools and institutes. We congratulate all prize winners on their outstanding performance. Awarded winners have been announced (see results), and all winning entries will be published in this column.

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By Li Xin

South China Normal University, renowned as the "fertile ground for nurturing talents in the south", has provided me with an expansive stage for deeper study and personal growth. Each day in this vibrant environment presents both challenges and opportunities, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and the world.

Academically, I chose to pursue a major in Chinese Language and Literature (Teacher Education). This field exposed me to a diverse range of in-depth courses. For instance, the Introduction to Chinese Culture acquainted me with the cultural characteristics and historical context spanning China's 5000-year history. The Comprehensive study of the Overview of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era allowed me to grasp the guiding ideology of our country's developmental path. Through the Basic Writing course, I honed my writing skills and practiced expressing myself effectively. The basketball course, being mentored by a dedicated teacher, took me from zero foundation to mastery. The Modern Chinese course provided a thorough and systematic understanding of contemporary Chinese, allowing me to wholeheartedly appreciate the beauty of our language. Additionally, the psychology course equipped me with tools to understand myself and navigate relationships with others and the world. Lastly, the Literary Theory course delved into core theories and analytical methods of literature.

While many of these courses initially posed challenges, the robust academic atmosphere at South China Normal University, coupled with the professors' friendly yet rigorous teaching styles, gradually allowed me to master these subjects, find endless joy in the learning process, expand my literary vision and improve my literary literacy. Especially noteworthy is the course on Literary Theory. As is well known, Literary Theory is one of the key foundations of the Chinese Language and Literature major. For me, it was a challenging course to get a grip on. For a long time, I struggled to keep pace with the professor in class, but it was in vain. Fortunately, I met kind classmates and responsible teachers. With their assistance, I gradually mastered the learning method for this course and even gained an excellent grade.

I am particularly grateful for the kind-hearted seniors and knowledgeable professors at SCNU. With their help, I am confident that my academic journey will continue to progress and lengthen. Their guidance has been instrumental in my growth and has significantly impacted my academic performance. Learning from them, I have realized that with determination, perseverance, and the right guidance, one can overcome any challenge.

Of course, numerous group collaborations accompanied this study journey. Engaging in multiple group projects provided me with valuable opportunities for teamwork, enhancing my ability to self-learn and grow.

In terms of extracurricular activities, South China Normal University offers a diverse range of unique events and competitions. I have witnessed the talents and strengths of my fellow students through debate competitions and college teacher training skill competitions. Actively participating in contests such as Red Poetry and Charming Lecturers not only honed my eloquence and critical thinking abilities but deepened my understanding of learning, motivating me to strive for personal growth.

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The screenshot of various competitions I've participated in.

In addition to competitions, I engaged in various practical activities at South China Normal University. I actively volunteered to promote Putonghua, participated as a campus running volunteer, and eagerly signed up for upcoming sports events.

The university's distinctive clubs have been instrumental in my personal growth. Through interviews for different clubs, I gained confidence in expressing myself and became more outgoing. During military training, I unexpectedly encountered the New Great Wall Self-Strengthening Society, where I developed etiquette and hosting skills, serving as the ceremony host for conferences. These experiences provided a significant boost to my confidence. Moreover, the Ancient Chinese Prose Network deeply fascinated me. Joining the Journalist Department of this club, hosted by graduate students specializing in ancient Chinese prose, cultivated my writing abilities and refined my thoughts through interviews with academic masters. Additionally, team-building activities left a profound impression on me as we traveled and bonded, forming deep friendships.

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The diverse club activities I've experienced at SCNU.

South China Normal University's library hosts a reading marathon, where I engaged in discussions on classics with classmates, gaining valuable insights about life. Through this process, I humbly realized my insignificance in the face of the vast sea of books, and it was within the pages of these books that my soul soared.

In summary, South China Normal University provides a multitude of platforms for personal exploration and growth, allowing us to constantly push boundaries and learn from our mistakes, ultimately helping us discover our true passions and strengths. I wholeheartedly cherish my experience at South China Normal University. Each day is filled with both challenges and joys, fostering a continuous cycle of learning and personal development. I have transformed from an inexperienced high school student into an independent, confident, and idealistic college student. The story between South China Normal University and me is an ongoing journey, and I firmly believe that in the days to come, I will create more wonderful memories and achieve remarkable milestones in my life.

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