Aspire High, Cultivate Virtues, Excel in Talents, Take on Responsibilities
On the afternoon of October 30, the 20th "iZJEer Talk" forum of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) took place at Hai club. The event featured Professor Ke Yuehai, the Dean of ZJE and Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, who joined a group of undergraduate representatives from the Class of 2028. Together, they discussed the theme of “Aspire High, Cultivate Virtues, Excel in Talents, Take on Responsibilities.” The forum was hosted by Assistant Dean Chen Di.
Highlights
Dean Ke first shared insights from his own student days, career, and experiences in academic management, reflecting on the establishment of the International Campus and ZJE. He also engaged with students on topics of their interest.
What should freshmen do when feeling lost?
"Feeling lost is something everyone experiences in their youth. If you feel uncertain when planning for the future, remember that reading and studying are always beneficial steps to help you clarify your direction gradually."
What constitutes “high aspirations”?
"Only with lofty ambitions can one steer life in the right direction. We should integrate the ‘individual self’ into the ‘greater self’ and achieve greatness through serving the country and society. As students of Zhejiang University, we should aim high, take the world as our responsibility, and seek truth as our guide."
What should first-year students focus on?
"I encourage first-year students to ‘dig into everything’ —explore widely, observe, and experiment often to foster a curiosity for research."
In the age of AI, what should students be thinking about?
"As ZJE students, it’s crucial to learn AI as a tool and think about how to use it to empower medicine. Reflect on the uncertainties AI may bring to human civilization and consider potential risks that we can foresee and address."
What is the most important thing to learn in university?
"Einstein said that education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learned in school. University imparts not only knowledge but also perspectives on the world, life, character, temperament, and innovation. Transferable skills are critical skills we can focus on developing during college."
How to choose the first lab to join?
"A good mentor will spark students' interest and curiosity in research. Unlike businesses, universities aim to cultivate people and emphasize moral education. Therefore, selecting a lab that encourages exploration and tolerates mistakes is essential."
How to find one’s passion?
"Everyone has something that resonates deeply within. I discovered mine during a solo experiment session while studying in the U.S., feeling a sense of tranquility and fulfillment from focusing on research.
If I could choose again, I would still choose to be a teacher and a researcher. I love reading, studying literature, learning new knowledge, processing and sharing insights, and exploring the unknown. This fulfills my interests and enables me to realize my self-worth."
"iZJEer Talk" is a forum series established in 2022 by ZJE, where renowned scholars and students engage in dialogue. Through sharing diverse knowledge and analyzing industry trends, the series offers forward-thinking insights and unique perspectives, supporting the research and career development of faculty and students and guiding them in their life aspirations. To date, 20 sessions have been successfully held.
