On the morning of September 11, Wang Hongyuan, Chairman of University Council of BFU, delivered the "First Lecture of the Semester" to the incoming 2024 undergraduate class. The lecture, entitled "Fasten the First Button of Life Properly," was attended by 260 freshman representatives in the main venue, while the remaining 3,300+ undergraduates participated via a live video stream from their classrooms.

Wang Hongyuan welcomed the students as new members of the BFU community and encouraged them as they embark on a new chapter of their lives. He guided the students on how to properly start their journey by focusing on three key areas: enhancing their "four awarenesses", striving for comprehensive personal development, and bearing in mind the advice and expectations from professors, ensuring they securely fasten the first button of their lives.

Wang Hongyuan emphasized that new students must deepen their understanding in four key areas: recognizing the greatness of the current era, understanding the profound role of the CPC, the nation, and its people, grasping the essence of their own roles, and appreciating the true value of university education. He shared the remarkable accomplishments in social and economic development since the founding of the PRC and highlighted BFU's illustrious 72-year history and historic mission. He urged the students to lead their times, set lofty goals, and perpetuate the enduring spirit of BFU in the new era.

Wang Hongyuan emphasized the need for comprehensive development among new students, highlighting six guidelines:First, firm up ideals and motivations. Use the Party's accomplishments to inspire spirit and direction, drawing strength from its glorious traditions.Second, raise moral standards. Embody socialist core values and observe legal disciplines, particularly in the digital realm.Thrid, acquire robust knowledge and skills. Make a significant shift from learning to practice to learning to learn.Fourth, exercise vigorously. Learn from exemplary athletes, engage actively in sports, and strengthen physical and mental resilience.Fifth, improve aesthetic and cultural literacy. Actively engaging with the university’s natural and cultural environment.Sixth, embrace and honor labor. Establish diligent hands-on habits, achieving unity of thought and action.

Wang also expressed five key aspirations for the new students:First, commit to national service. Select study areas relevant to national progress and align personal ambitions with the broader goals of the country.Second, engage deeply with quality literature. Minimize distractions from fragmented sources of information.Thrid, integrate active learning with critical thinking. Cultivate independence in thought and analysis.Fourth, focus on finding effective solutions. Rather than making excuses, success is achieved through proactive approaches.Fifth, dedicate themselves to diligent study. Appreciate the present and aim for well-rounded development and success.

After the First Lesson, students collectively reported significant gains. They described the lecture as unique and insightful, providing them with a deep understanding of how to establish appropriate values at this new beginning in their lives, how to expand their global perspectives at this top university in ecological development, and how to embrace the responsibilities and missions expected of BFUers today. Motivated by the lecture, the students committed to securing the first button of their lives correctly, making the most of their time, staying true to themselves, and contributing their efforts to the ecological civilization development of China.

Written by Wang Zian, Li Yang
Photo by Jiang Yue
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang