Likes
Editor's Note: The results of the fifth SCNU English Writing and Short Video Contest have been announced on the website of the Office of International Exchange & Cooperation of SCNU (see results). We congratulate all prize winners on their outstanding performance. Winning entries will be published in this column.
-------
By Zhu Xintong
Everyone starts out ordinary, but those who pursue the light will eventually shine brightly. South China Normal University is home to many such individuals, each with their own unique stories, and they scatter to every corner of the world, spreading their light. Among them is a man who dedicates his life to education, showing an unwavering commitment to excellence. That is my father, Zhu Yinghui, who has been devoted to the teaching profession for over 25 years. He is ordinary yet persistent, serious and lovely.
Zhu Yinghui was born into an ordinary family in Meizhou, in Guangdong province in 1976. His educational journey, was marked by simplicity and determination. He holds the profound belief that education is a powerful tool to change the world. This conviction guided him to choose Computer Science Education as his major when he applied to SCNU in 1995, and was admitted with outstanding scores.
During his university years, he studied diligently and faced challenges with determination. He received academic scholarships and even won the first prize in a software competition. The prize included a sports jacket, which he still treasures to this day.
In 1999, Zhu graduated from South China Normal University and became a computer teacher at Hanshan Normal University. Facing numerous challenges, he recognized the need to expand his knowledge base. He shared with us, "learning is a lifelong journey, and one should never rest on one's laurels."
Driven by this conviction, he returned to SCNU in 2002 to pursue a master's degree in Computer Software and Theory. At that time, in his twenties, with many career opportunities ahead of him, he still firmly believed that becoming a teacher was a noble choice, and teaching at a teacher training university had the significant meaning of inheriting the tradition of education.
A photo of Zhu Yinghui and his classmates taken in front of the administrative Building of SCNU in 1999.
Due to his rigorous scholarship and serious work ethic, he was promoted to the rank of associate professor at HSNU in December 2009. Though inexperienced at the start, he has honed his skills through practice. From being a constant seeker of knowledge to becoming a role model for others, Mr. Zhu works in the field of computer education with meticulous care and calmness. When asked about his advancements, his response is simple, "there are still countless new opportunities ahead, and exploration and learning are urgent."
Wearing glasses and a plain shirt is his usual look. Though his face looks somewhat haggard, Mr. Zhu always wears a smile. His students describe him as approachable and humorous, and they say he teaches with great dedication. He always emphasizes," knowledge advances by steps and not by leaps."
In the following decade, Mr. Zhu continued to strive and work hard in his position. He received numerous titles throughout these years, such as member of the "Thousand Hundred and Ten Project" in Guangdong province, and "Outstanding Young Educator" at HSNU in 2022.
Mr. Zhu is always keenly aware of his shortcomings and constantly pushes himself to make progress. So far, he has published over 40 high-level papers; authored 4 textbooks, including "Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Engineering Applications"; and participated in more than 20 scientific research projects. Additionally, he holds three invention patents. However, for Mr. Zhu, the most significant reward lies in his self-improvement and the enhancement of his teaching abilities.
In addition to his work, Mr. Zhu maintains a variety of hobbies and interests. He enjoys singing and practicing calligraphy, and is passionate about football and badminton. During his university years, he actively participated in campus singing contests. After joining the workforce, he continued to share his talent by singing at campus parties. His singing voice is very pleasant to hear. For many years, my dad, Mr. Zhu, has kept a routine of exercising twice a week. Despite this regular exercise, he, who is now in his forties, is still a bit chubby. He often humorously refers to himself as a "chubby guy."
As Mr. Zhu looks to the future, he remains steadfast in his mission to pursue excellence and cultivate the next generation of students. Sitting at a desk and facing a computer screen filled with algorithms, this may be his routine work. What distinguishes Mr. Zhu is his unwavering perseverance throughout his career. As my father, he often teaches me the values of modesty and composure, emphasizing that "Success belongs to those who persevere."
Among the crowd, Zhu Yinghui may appear unremarkable at first glance, yet his steadfast pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to education makes him stand out. While Mr. Zhu's contributions may not rock the world, his teaching journey gleams like a beacon in the darkness, guiding the way forward. This is Zhu Yinghui, my beloved and admirable father, and a respected alumnus of South China Normal University.
What to read next:
