3000 SCU Freshmen Accomplish Their “First Mile”

Nearly 3000 freshmen at Soochow University had great fun while getting more familiar with their new school in "The First Mile Orientation for Freshmen," which lasted four days from September 5^th to 8^th, 2016. The event was in its 8^th year and has become one of the school’s featured activities as well as the memories shared by all SCU students.

Through six aspects including “Identify with the school,” “Win interpersonal support,” “Stimulate learning motivation,” “Utilize campus resources,” “Plan college life,” and “Maintain mental and physical health,” the orientation aimed at helping students cope with issues such as interpersonal relationship, and teaching them how to use the resources properly, plan their college life, and think positively when facing setbacks

Many students highly approved this “First Mile” orientation as it helped them blend into Soochow University quickly. Shu-Chen Li, who majors in mathematics, thought she had known more about the school, her classmates, and where to get resources she needs. Chia-Chun Chen of the Department of Financial Engineering and Actuarial Mathematics, said that she used to think college students were left to sink or swim; however, she could tell SCU made lots of efforts in preparing “First Mile” for freshmen. She was also impressed by the school's creativity when students were arranged to pass around balls printed with the school motto rather than just reciting it aloud.

SCU President Wei-Ta Pan talked about the school’s history and the motto of SCU “Unto a Full Grown Man” at the entrance ceremony for freshmen. The honorary dean of Big Data Management Department San-Cheng Chang also shared his words of wisdom: “The most important phase of your life begins today. I hope that you love your major, find your interest, and cherish the classmates you study with.”

Every student was given three meaningful gifts from the school. The first gift was a red and black T-shirt, which symbolizes passion and perseverance, as well as SCU students' passion, vigor and positivity. It is meant for helping them to keep in mind the motto “Unto a Full Grown Man.” The second gift was a multifunction name badge holder which emphasizes the importance of being responsible and law-abiding, while the third gift was a reusable bag that could remind freshmen of caring for the Earth.

In the afternoon of the final day, the freshmen gave wonderful performances and enjoyed a rope-jumping group contest, followed by the climax of the whole event: “The Starlight Closing Ceremony.” After writing down their dreams on look-alike train tickets, the freshmen cast them into the “Train of Dream" as tickets, and made their wish, which would symbolize the beginning of their dreams and a brand-new stage of their life.