A Speech to Freshmen

Distinguished leaders, teachers, friends, and most importantly, the freshmen, standing here to share this wonderful day with you, I’m very pleased and honored.

I still clearly remember the day when I first came to this college. I came in fresh, enthusiastic, open to ideas, as most of you do. Meanwhile, I was full of longing and confusion. With the accumulation of knowledge and experience during the three years of my college, now I stand here as a junior, to provide you with some warm suggestions.

To start with, you should be conscious of your strengths and opportunities and take full advantage of them. To be honest, when I learned that I was admitted by Zhejiang Ocean University, I was a little disappointed. After all, it is not the top universalities in the country. However, soon after, I realized that I had a bright prospect if I saw the situation in a different light. There is no denying that the first-class university, to some extent, means the fiercer competition and fewer chances. Maybe it is very hard to put yourselves at a favorable position if you have not develop yourselves fully. Fortunately, you are here. Our Zhejiang Ocean University provides you with various opportunities to cultivate abilities in different aspects. The four years of university life is a process of growing up. You should seize every opportunity to make you stand out.

What’s more, you also should be realized that university organizations, society, and clubs are of great importance. Without of the shadow of a doubt, academic work stills plays a critical role in campus. Nevertheless, take active parts in those activities, you will develop the interpersonal skills, the planning and organization abilities, and most importantly, you will gain your self-confidence. I cherish every activity and competition of my university life. It’s my firm conviction that all these experiences are designed to make me stronger and help me identify my merits.

Last but not least, from my perspective, it is very necessary to set clear goals and have a specific planning of personal development. Just as the old saying goes, “Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass”. When I was a freshman, I don’t know clearly what kind of ability I should build up, which job I prefer in the future and how could I put myself in the favorable position in the fierce competition. Then I took part in the competition of Occupational Planning when I was a sophomore. It was this competition that helped me set the overall goals. It helped me develop a clearer direction and measure my performance. It changed my passive learning attitudes and helped me become a autonomous learner.

All these suggestions are meant to help you adjust to the new life as soon as possible. Please accept my warmest wishes. I sincerely hope you can lead a colorful and meaningful life in the university.