As the sky is high and the clouds sparse, with the first hint of autumn in the air, the School of Finance at Nankai University greets a group of fresh faces. On September 6th, the 2025 freshmen—undergraduates, master’s and doctoral students—arrived, dragging their suitcases, filled with dreams and expectations, stepping into this academic sanctuary steeped in the spirit of “public service and capability.” In their eyes shine curiosity and hope, and their steps are firm and light. A new chapter of university life begins gently at this very moment.

The carefully crafted “Welcome New Students” theme area became the emotional link for the new students’ first stop on campus, as students and their parents wore the brightest smiles and took precious photos to commemorate the moment. On the brightly colored exhibition boards, the sixteen-character growth goal—“With mountains and seas in mind, innovation and excellence, integration and growth, strength and camaraderie”—guided the students forward. The phrase “A strong finance nation, Nankai has the responsibility” not only serves as a slogan but also as a mission entrusted by the times. The School particularly emphasized the deep meaning of “independence”—it is not just about self-reliance in life but also about the strength of character, awakened thinking, and spiritual freedom. From this point on, students are encouraged to learn responsibility, make choices, and seek direction in times of confusion. This is the first lesson university offers to the freshmen.

In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the “Three Questions of Patriotism,” the School of Finance’s “Patriotic Three Questions and a Financial Powerhouse” Youth Lecture Group held an interactive session aligned with this significant milestone. Using the core content of the patriotic drama Zhang Boli and the “Three Questions of Patriotism” speech, they set up interactive sections like a “Knowledge Quiz” and “Red Collage Poetry” at the exhibition area. Freshmen revisited the glorious years through these activities and expressed their love for the country through creative collages. Some students quietly paused in front of the boards, solemnly writing down the word “willing”—this was not only the seed of an ideal but also a promise of youth.

The welcome scene was filled with a blend of “pioneer purple” and “volunteer red,” forming a warm sight. Party members and volunteers moved through the crowd, assisting with procedures, carrying luggage, and providing directions. Their smiles made the unfamiliar environment feel friendly and welcoming.

Upon entering the School’s lobby, the first sight that greeted the students was a unique photo wall. This wall, created by carefully collaging photos of the freshmen’s daily lives, captured each student’s unique charm. As students entered the School, they could look up and find their own mark on the wall, standing beneath it to take photos and leave behind precious memories.

In the School’s courtyard, the “Five Educations Build the Heart” secondary psychological counseling station prepared a warm welcoming ceremony. Freshmen placed their handprints on a board and high-fived their new selves, writing down their secret wishes for the future. The phrases were full of youthful enthusiasm. They painted their emotions on planting eggs, symbolizing how every effort and moment of waiting would eventually bear fruit over time. Laughter filled the courtyard, marking a beautiful beginning to the freshmen’s university life.

To help freshmen integrate quickly into the School’s community, the School designed the “Golden Mark” check-in activity. Students received a stamp card and visited five major points of interest, such as the Ning Yihong Bookstore, to familiarize themselves with the environment and establish a sense of belonging through interaction. At the same time, the “Class Mentors—Peer Mentors—Freshman Navigators—Dormitory Mentors” four-dimensional support system was fully launched, ensuring that every confusion or concern would be gently addressed, making the journey through university not a solitary one.

In the afternoon, the School leader, counselors, and student leaders visited the freshmen’s dorms. “Where are you from?” “Are you getting used to the weather in Tianjin?” “Please let us know if you encounter any difficulties”—these warm words were like family reminders. Teachers encouraged students to complete their identity transformation quickly and reminded them that university is not only a classroom for knowledge but also a forge for character. Only by engraving “A strong finance nation, Nankai has the responsibility” in their hearts can students truly grow into capable individuals who can shoulder the responsibilities of the times.

The School also held a parent meeting for the undergraduate freshmen, with over 200 parents participating. Fan Xiaoyun, Dean of the School, He Jia, Vice Dean, Gao Shan, Vice Party Secretary and Vice Dean, and Liu Xianglong, the freshman counselor for the 2025 class, provided an in-depth introduction to the School’s history, teaching plans, large-class education policies, and student growth systems. This event built a communication bridge between home and school, fostering collaborative efforts in nurturing students to uphold the public service spirit, develop their capabilities, and become talented and virtuous individuals.

A new journey has begun, and a new chapter awaits to be written. May the 2025 Nankai Finance students, with independent minds, broad visions, and warm hearts, write their own brilliant years on this land rich in heritage!