A few decades ago, a young man from Boston chose to become a student of NYU Shanghai. With an excellent academic performance, he could have been admitted to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but he decided to come back to Shanghai for long-term personal development. Before he left, he explained the reason in a long letter to his parents, indicating that the Sino-US relations in the next 30 years would be the key factor affecting the world development, and that he would realize self-worth through contributing to the development of Sino-US relations. He is Yu Lizhong, the Founding Chancellor of NYU Shanghai. In his opinion, true education enables everyone to reach their full potential and appreciate the true essence of life.
On May 3rd, Professor Yu Lizhong was invited to Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School, affiliated to China Welfare Institute, to give a lecture on “Soong Ching Ling’s Forum” - “Education for Global Vision & Competency”. He also talked with high school students about their career development and life goals.
Zhang Xiaomin, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the China Welfare Institute, attended the event and awarded Professor Yu the “Honorary Guest of Soong Ching Ling Forum”.
Globalization and Education
At the very beginning of his speech, Professor Yu attracted the students and got them close to him through popular slang such as “Young Generation”and“Digital Aborigine”.
“As educators, it is our responsibility to help children understand the rapidly changing world.” He said, “Modernization of education means we have to respond to challenges through educational reforms. It is necessary to guide our children to learn efficiently and think critically in the era of globalization and knowledge-driven economy. Also, it is essential that they learn to cooperate with people from different cultural backgrounds.”
Meanwhile, as the Founding Chancellor of NYU Shanghai, Professor Yu has attached great importance to global competency under globalization. NYU Shanghai has provided students with a multicultural environment by inviting Chinese and international students to participate in courses, projects and activities together. Through cooperation with team members from diverse cultural backgrounds, students have learned to understand and respect differences, seek common ground while shelving differences, and develop critical thinking with a global perspective. At the same time, they have been taught to face the changing and challenging world with a positive attitude and a willingness to undertake responsibilities.
Soong Ching Ling School (SCLS) has also committed to cultivating innovative talents with intercultural communication skills. Dr. Justin Zackey, Executive Director of “UCLA Global Classroom Program” in high school domestic division of SCLS, said, “My view coincides with that of Professor Yu. The fast development of this new era requires that educators and students should develop cognitive flexibility in different cultures. The Global Classroom Program leads students to break the stereotype, create a new relationship and build better understanding with people coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. We will take advantage of all available resources to support all-round development of our students.”
▲Dr. Justin Zackey delivering a lecture to high school students in SCLS
Education Helps Students Find “Who They Are”
After his speech, Professor Yu communicated with the high school students about how to choose a college and major that are good fits as well as a career they would work hard for. They also asked Professor Yu many questions they were curious about, including his definition of the word “success” and his understanding of similarities and differences between Chinese and western education.
Professor Yu mentioned his experience as one of the first group of international students in New China and inspired students to look for the answers for themselves. He also encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone, to be confident and take the initiative when encountering challenges, and to think about what they truly want in life.
“Everyone has a different understanding of success, and it is essential that we attach importance to such difference. As long as one realizes his potential and value, he is successful.” Professor Yu said, “Another key word is ‘responsibility’. Everyone should take responsibility for the family, society and mankind. The progress of society is driven by contributions of individuals, and we all need to contribute to a better world. It is our responsibility.”
Mr. Zhang Xiaomin said in the end that he would always have faith in the high school students at SCLS. “I believe that you have learned a lot from Dr. Yu’s speech and communications with him.” He said, “You will grow into the ones who are willing to take responsibilities and make contributions to society.”
