2024-03-27
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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 Huang Zhengyu

As SCNU celebrates its 90th anniversary, I am filled with pride and nostalgia as I reflect on my journey with this esteemed institution. As a student, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the rich campus life, the beauty of its natural and architectural landmarks, and the transformative power of education.

Stepping onto the SCNU campus for the first time, I was awed by the grandeur of its buildings and the lush greenery that surrounded me. The campus was alive with activity, and I could sense the energy and enthusiasm of the students and faculty. These days, as I walked these same paths, I came to appreciate the unique charm of every corner of the campus.

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Photo of a grove of trees at University Town Campus.

My classes were unforgettable, filled with knowledgeable professors who passionately shared their insights and expertise. I was inspired by their dedication to teaching and their genuine interest in our growth and development. The curriculum was rigorous, pushing me to challenge myself and to strive for excellence.

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I'm conducting an experiment.

The most impressive scene in my memory took place during an organic chemistry class. At that moment, the rain outside was raging, lashing against the windows as if with whips. The sound of raindrops hitting the windows seemed to slow down the pace of the classroom, and every heartbeat synchronized with the rhythm of the rain. As I gazed out the window, the rain blurred my vision, yet it revealed to me a whole new world. That world was filled with tranquility and contemplation, an experience unlike any I had ever known. In that instant, I felt as though I was in the midst of the most beautiful moment in human existence, a beauty that could not be put into words. To this day, recalling that scene fills my heart with warmth. The beauty of that moment was like a precious tear, solidifying my memory and revealing to me what true happiness truly is. Whenever I think of that scene, that beautiful tear flows within my heart, a nostalgic reminder of past beautiful moments, and a longing and anticipation for what the future may hold.

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Photo of the raging rain.

Outside of the classroom, I found a world of opportunities for growth and exploration. I participated in campus activities, joined clubs, and formed lifelong friendships with my peers.

In the extended family of the Hip-hop dance team, we are all like-minded friends. We sweat together, share the dance floor, train hand in hand, and perform side by side. Countless times, we have been injured in our dance, yet the pain fades away with time, leaving behind a resilient imprint. But more often than not, we gather together, filled with laughter and joy, those precious moments etched deeply in our hearts. In every corner of the academy, we leave behind passionate performances, a testament to our youth and fervor. We dance our youth away, pouring out our enthusiasm, just to spread the joy from the bottom of our hearts to every audience member. Our performances are a witness to our youth and a mark of our ardor. We cherish every gathering, and every performance, for they are all shared memories and parts of our collective youth. Through dance, we interpret our youth and ignite our lives with passion. We strive to leave behind a unique imprint of our youth in the long river of time, a testament to our fervor and passion that belongs only to us.

The SCNU community is also deeply committed to research and innovation. I had the opportunity to participate in research projects and competitions, working alongside talented faculty members and students from diverse backgrounds. These experiences broadened my horizons and taught me the importance of collaboration and creativity in solving complex problems.

In the recent Innovation Cup project, I was fortunate enough to receive careful guidance from outstanding senior brothers and sisters. They illuminated my path like a beacon, allowing me to find direction in the ocean of the project. At first, I was like a beginner with zero knowledge of the depth and breadth of the project. However, under their dedicated guidance, I gradually started to grasp it and step by step understand the overall structure of the project. Not only could I complete the product presentation design, but I also successfully carried out graphic design. I have grown from a clueless novice to a competent team member. All these achievements have brought me deep satisfaction and pride. I feel that I have grown during this process, and I feel that I have found myself in this project. All of this would not have been possible without the selfless guidance and help of the senior brothers and sisters. Their support has given me a sense of accomplishment.

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The team members stay up late to polish the competition project.

Of course, no discussion of SCNU would be complete without mentioning the delicious campus food. The canteen offered a wide variety of cuisine, each dish bursting with flavor and character. Mealtimes were always a highlight of my day, a chance to gather with friends and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and conversation.

Pork knuckle rice (Zhujiao rice) is more than just a delicious food to me, it's a piece of memory embedded deep in time. During my days at South China Normal University, whenever I walked through the supermarket in the north district of the University Town Campus, or strolled along the paths in Taoyuan canteen of Shipai Campus, the aroma of pork knuckle rice would always arrive on cue, stirring up my insatiable appetite. It's a unique fragrance, blending the rich and mellow taste of pork knuckle with the fresh scent of rice, intertwining the precipitation of years with the passion of youth. The pork knuckle is soft, tender and delicious, filled with collagen, each bite bringing a sense of happiness. The rice, infused with the savory flavor of the trotters, is crystal clear and glows with the essence of youth. For me, pork knuckle rice is more than just a type of cuisine, it's an emotional anchor, a memory of my youth. This is the story of me and pork knuckle rice, a beautiful memory of youth, dreams, and food.

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Photo of the delicious pork knuckle rice.

Looking back, I realize that my time at SCNU has been a journey of growth, exploration, and memories that will stay with me forever. I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained, the friendships I have formed, and the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. As SCNU celebrates its 90th anniversary, I am proud to be a part of this vibrant community and to share my story with the world.

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