News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

Dear Recent Graduates,

　　As summer moves in, golden shower trees again blossom and paint the campus in yellow. The campus is now empty like a nest that has just bidden farewell to fledglings eager to explore their life’s journey. While wishing you all the best, I feel a tinge of sadness at thought that a grand graduation ceremony cannot be held as scheduled. We have expected to bring you a landmark moment in your life; this relentless pandemic, however, would not allow us the opportunity to fulfill our deepest wish.

　　Some time ago, I strolled past the Library and Information Building on the Lantan campus. The wet field unfolding before the front staircase was ripe with grain, swaying to and fro with the breeze, filling my nostrils with scent of rice. This is going to be a season of great harvest. It is also a moment to congratulate all of you on finishing your college studies. With “Prosper from Here: NCYU” as the graduation theme, we would like to say goodbye to all the graduates of the academic year 2020-2021. All the memories you have during the years at NCYU – be it a road you have trodden, someone you have loved, something you have tasted, tears you have shed, beautiful smiles you have worn on your face – would leave a trace in the river of time, and be inscribed on the memory. A whole new journey awaits you when you walk out of the entrance of university.

　　On the eve of graduation, I have a few encouraging words for all of you. First, while there is a finishing line to cross in pursuing a degree, learning is a journey without an end. You need to live and learn, and develop a habit of self-learning. The human brain is like a container without limits. As its original size varies with one’s potential, it may be expanded through effort and hard work, and vice versa. You may find it frustrating, when you first enter the workplace, that almost everything you have learned at school can hardly put into practice. It all sums up to the question: Are you willing to change the way you think? Continuous learning is key to making breakthroughs. As life goes through different phases, new challenges may confront us, at workplace for example. When they happen, instead of just giving up and walking away, you should take them as an opportunity to hone your skills. If you just turn away and refuse to learn new things, you are giving up a valuable chance to improve yourself. The key to a successful career lies in a willing to face the problem as it arises.

　　Second, as the saying goes, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Youth may not last, but dreams must live on. You need to know your dreams and purpose, which bring meaning to our life, and pursue them without fear. When it comes to the living human being with the most ambitious dreams, Elon Musk is the one we cannot miss. Musk, who has been nursing the dream to explore the space as a child, left his hometown in South Africa to pursue a career in Silicon Valley at the age of 17. He has made his mark in the United States as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in full Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. Tesla is the biggest electric vehicle and solar panel company in the US, and has one of the highest market shares in electric vehicles around the globe. Developed by SpaceX, the Falcon 9 carrier rocket opens a new chapter in the history of human spaceflight. Aiming to make sci-fi a reality, he gives momentum to human civilization with creativity and imagination. Musk follows his dreams with such perseverance and undaunted determination that he definitely can be said to be the most legendary figure who has changed the world in the post-Steve Jobs era.

　　Third, we need be integral, honest and sincere before winning trust, understanding and support from others, and ultimately success. Throughout our life, having a good character matters much more than demonstrating extraordinary abilities. It is more important to be integral than showing how brilliant you are. Kindness means much more than how talented you are. Remember to extend a hand when you have climbed the ladder to success. Remember to treat yourself with kindness, be optimistic and positive, and not to push yourself too hard when you are at rock bottom. Forbes has just announced Taiwan’s 50 richest list. On top of the list is Zhang Congyuan, founder of the world’s second-largest shoe manufacturer Huali Industrial Group. Chairman Zhang is an alumni of graduating class of 1955 at Taiwan Provincial Chiayi Junior College of Agriculture, now part of the university. In an interview with Business Weekly, he said being the richest person is just a title, and, for him, life goes on just as usual. When asked what kind of entrepreneur he thinks he is, he replied he never regards himself as an entrepreneur but rather a shoemaker who is dedicated to his work and loyal to his duties. He added he never forgets to give back to all those who have helped him along the way. This interview offers a glimpse into what makes an successful entrepreneur. With Chairman Zhang as an example, I wish all of you to lead a down-to-earth life, know your people and assign them to the tasks that play on their strengths, be grateful and return the favor down the road, and never look down upon yourself. The key to success lies in your hands.

　　Last but not least, I hope that all of you, after walking out of the NCYU campus, will embark on your life’s journey with great wisdom, unswerving determination, and fearless courage. Be brave to follow your dreams, make progress, and create a life that is uniquely yours. NCYU is your second home, where you are always welcome. Wish you all the success and happiness in the world.