2023.09.05
Prior to the start of the new semester on September 5th, National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan held a freshman orientation camp for 2,300 incoming undergraduate students. The camp used lectures and activities to acquaint the newcomers with the campus.
President W. John Kao (高為元) extended a warm welcome to the new students and encouraged them to recognize and value the impact they have on their surroundings. He also expressed hope that every NTHU member would extend a helping hand, advocate for the less fortunate, champion justice, and exhibit compassion towards others.
At the orientation camp, a pleasant surprise in the form of a "gachapon" was prepared for each new student. Led by Ting-hong Chou (周廷紘), a senior from the Interdisciplinary Program of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the student team in charge of the event explained that a gachapon represents excitement and anticipation. When new students unwrap a gachapon, it's like setting out on their university adventure and visualizing what lies ahead in their academic pursuits.
Inside the gymnasium, two gachapon machines were arranged. New students simply had to participate in the ice-breaking activity to receive a gachapon, which could be swapped for specially designed mementos such as drawstring bags and T-shirts.
President Kao, upon entering the gymnasium, personally showcased the procedure. When he operated the large gachapon machine and received a giant gachapon, an instant salute was sounded, and ribbons danced in the air, extending a warm welcome to the freshmen scheduled to graduate in 2027. This officially marked the start of the freshman orientation camp.
In his remarks, President Kao conveyed to the new students that no one exists in isolation. Each action, gesture, and word can have an impact on those around us. He mentioned a game in the United States called "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," illustrating how any two entirely unrelated people worldwide can be linked through just six connections. The example underscores the extensive ripple effects of every action.
President Kao emphasized that in cases of bullying, gender-based violence, and mental health problems, there is a crucial role beyond the perpetrator and the victim - that of the "silent bystander." On the first day of university, he urged all members of the NTHU community not to take on the role of a "silent bystander."
"In our daily lives, we all encounter times of frustration and low spirits. It's in these moments that we often long for someone to offer support. Even a simple greeting can rekindle our courage and hope," said President Kao. He encouraged the new students to be the ones who extend that supportive hand.
Due to Typhoon Haikui, the originally planned 3-day freshman orientation camp was shortened to 2 days. The revised schedule included discussions on gender equality, mental health, campus safety, cultural talks, as well as campus tours, club activities, and a concert. Moreover, the camp arranged sessions for senior students to share their experiences and advice with the new students regarding internships, part-time jobs, and work exchange programs.
This year, NTHU also prepared a unique present for every new student—a collection of environmentally-friendly tableware, including stainless steel chopsticks, a spoon, a fork, and a glass food container.
A scene from the opening of NTHU's freshman orientation camp.
At the freshman orientation camp, President W. John Kao (高為元) received a big token for the gachapon machine.
Upon obtaining a large gachapon from the machine, Presidnet W. John Kao (高為元) showed a surprised look.
After completing the ice-breaking activity, new students had the opportunity to obtain a gachapon. These could then be swapped for specially designed mementos such as drawstring bags and T-shirts.
NTHU provides each new student with a set of environmentally-friendly tableware.
NTHU's on-campus eateries offer a reduction of NT$2 to $5 for faculty and students who bring their own tableware.
The on-campus eateries at NTHU provide discounts to encourage students to bring their own tableware.
Every new NTHU student received an environmentally-friendly bag containing tableware and necessary freshman materials.
NTHU held a freshman orientation camp for 2,300 incoming undergraduate students on Sep. 5.
Freshmen from NTHU taking part in the orientation camp.
Freshmen from NTHU taking part in the orientation camp.
Freshmen from NTHU taking part in the orientation camp.
