To commemorate the Spring Festival, Yenching Academy’s Dean, Prof. Yuan Ming, Associate Deans Prof. Fan Shiming and Prof. Brent Haas, and several YCA staff members visited Yenching Scholars at their dormitory on the PKU campus on February 10, 2021.
Warmly received, Dean Yuan inquired into the scholars’ study and living conditions on campus, admonishing them to be relentless in their pursuit of success. The 2020 YCA scholars consulted Prof. Yuan about course selection, and the 2019 YCA students were encouraged to work uncompromisingly on their dissertations. The teachers also had a good talk with the students about their future career prospects and life after Yenching.
The YCAers talked about what they gained in interdisciplinary studies, how they understood the modern transitions of traditional culture, and how grateful they were for their teachers’ support. More so, Prof. Fan and 2019 YCA Scholars looked back at their field study program in Sichuan and Chongqing. The students were deeply impressed by the ages-old history, profound culture and thriving economy of southwest China. Prof. Hass shared his insights of China studies and encouraged YCA Scholars to deal with obstacles in intercultural exchange with an open mind and explore China-related issues in a rational academic approach, both in and out of the classroom.
YCA teachers have helped their students outside classes, giving insightful advice on how to see aspirations steadily materialized in an era of volatilities and how to forge a moral character of reason.
The students happily picked up red socks for their Chinese zodiacal year of birth, mystery boxes and the lucky Fu characters. The staff of the Student Affairs Office had invited teachers and students to write Fu characters and couplets a week earlier. With the gifts for the Spring Festival, YCA staff extended their best wishes to the students.
Lukmon Akintola, 2019 YCA Scholar from Nigeria, said, “I feel at home at YCA. I live a meaningful, happy life here with my caring teachers and affectionate fellow students. I was greatly encouraged by Prof. Yuan’s letter to us when COVID-19 hit last year. I’m thrilled to receive her at our dormitory on the campus.” Students continued to chat at the end of the event, talking about their plans for the new year and expecting another good year on the campus.
Report from Wei Shenglei
Photographs from Dang Ke
