Preface
Tsinghua University's celebration is usually supposed to be a grand celebration, full of laughter and youthful energy. But when it comes to the 113th anniversary, things seem to be very different. This year's celebration not only did not have the expected joyful atmosphere, but carried an inexplicable depression and exhaustion. From the students' expressions to their mannerisms, the whole scene revealed an unusual atmosphere. What's going on here? Let's find out.
The event passed
This year marks the 113th anniversary of Tsinghua University, a figure that should have brought some special celebrations. Celebrations are often a great time for schools to showcase their culture, achievements, and the energy of their students. However, this celebration is different, it has attracted a lot of attention and discussion, but the reason is that it lacks the vitality and vitality it deserves.
The starting point of the event can be traced back to the day of the school anniversary. As is customary, there will be a guard of honour performance, and students will wear neat uniforms to show the spirit of the school. But this year's honor guard seems to be a little different. Although their uniforms were as neat and uniform as ever, it was difficult to hide the tiredness and stiffness on their faces. One witness described the young people, who were supposed to be energetic, looked like they were forced to wear adult clothes that did not fit well and did not bring the dignity and vitality they deserved.
Not only that, but the atmosphere of the whole school celebration was also unusual. Usually, the school celebration scene should be full of people, filled with laughter and cheers. This year, however, the scene was unusually quiet, one might even say a little lifeless. At first glance, the audience saw mostly expressionless students, faculty and staff, a scene that was very different from the general expectations of the school celebration.
One of the important points of conflict arises over the way the ritual is conducted. A number of alumni who participated in previous celebrations recalled that in previous celebrations, more emphasis was placed on students' spontaneous participation and creative expression. Students can showcase their talents and passions in a variety of ways, whether it's art performances, tech showcases, or athletic competitions, all of which are dynamic and creative. However, this year's celebration was too formal and rigid, lacking the sense of student participation it deserves.
What is even more striking is that this year's event does not seem to have learned from past criticisms compared to the anniversary three years ago. Tsinghua University's 110th anniversary celebration was widely criticized for a dance performance in a sequined yellow dress that many considered incompatible with the university's academic rigor and traditional image. Despite this, the celebration still did not make people feel a breakthrough or improvement.
In fact, this dreary and unnatural atmosphere affected all attendees, including those alumni who had traveled from afar. What was supposed to be a moment of joy turned into a distracted participation of everyone. Some alumni even lamented that the atmosphere reminded them of their student days, when the celebrations were more free and fun. They wonder if the school has sacrificed the vitality of the school celebration and the true feelings of the students in order to pursue the solemnity and cleanliness of the appearance.
In addition, the preparatory process for the celebration has been privately complained by some of the students and staff involved that it is too cumbersome and inefficient. They revealed that the preparation took up almost all of their free time and was demanding, and every detail had to comply with the specific instructions of their superiors. This high-pressure and mechanical preparation not only dissipated the enthusiasm of the participants, but also made the whole event lose its original meaning.
On the day of the school anniversary, even the weather seemed to express dissatisfaction. Overcast clouds and occasional drizzle seemed to add to the dreary atmosphere of the festivities. Despite this, the organizers insisted that all the events go ahead as planned. These include speeches, awards, and some theatrical performances, but many of the performances are stiff and unnatural due to lack of rehearsal and preparation.
It's worth mentioning that despite the overall poor vibe, there are some highlights worth noting. For example, a student from the Academy of Arts, despite being unusually nervous before the performance, ended up winning the applause of the audience with his unique dance. The student's performance alleviated the embarrassing atmosphere of the scene to a certain extent, and also made people see that there is still life in the school celebration.
In addition, some technology exhibitions have also attracted a lot of attention. A group of engineering students showcased their latest sustainable energy solutions, which not only showcased the students' innovative abilities, but also added some technological flair to the celebration.
Despite these highlights, overall, this year's celebration was a disappointment for many. Many students and alumni expressed their expectations for the future celebration of Tsinghua University, hoping that the university could truly listen to the voices of everyone present, so that the celebration could truly become a platform to showcase the spirit and culture of Tsinghua University, rather than just a formal celebration.
In-depth analysis: Problems and enlightenment of Tsinghua University's 113th anniversary
Why
Over-formalization and bureaucratization:
Tsinghua University's celebrations, especially this 113th anniversary, show a tendency to be overly formalized. This may be due to the school management's overemphasis on image and external evaluation. This bureaucratic planning process may limit the creative expression of students and faculty, making the event rigid and lacking in dynamism.
Lack of Student Ownership and Involvement:
Compared with previous years, the self-participation of students in this year's celebration has decreased significantly. In the planning and execution of the school celebration, the voices and creativity of students do not seem to be fully valued and utilized. This situation can lead to a mismatch between the content of the activity and the actual interests and needs of the students, which can affect the overall sense of activity and participation.
Ignoring Campus Culture and Traditions:
The school celebration is an important time to showcase the school's culture and traditions. However, if the external form is pursued excessively and the inner cultural spirit is neglected, it may lose its far-reaching significance. Tsinghua University, for example, is known for its academic rigor, and if this is not adequately represented in the celebration, there may be a lack of connection and recognition.
Consequences and Implications
Emotional experience for students and alumni:
The atmosphere and content of the celebration have a direct impact on the emotional experience of the participants, especially the students and alumni. This year's celebration may have left many disappointed and alienated due to its lack of energy and engagement, which is contrary to the original purpose of the celebration – to strengthen the unity and sense of belonging on campus.
School Image and Reputation:
The school celebration is a window for the school to show its image and achievements to the outside world. A celebration that lacks dynamism and innovation can not only affect the mood of those present, but can also have a detrimental effect on the long-term reputation of the school.
Future directions
Enhance Student Engagement:
In the future, more attention should be paid to students' participation and voice, and students should be involved in the planning and implementation of the celebration through workshops and open forums. This not only increases student engagement and satisfaction, but also stimulates more innovative and fun activities.
Balance formal and informal activities:
The celebration should be structured in a way that balances formal ceremonies with informal activities, including formal activities to showcase the school's achievements and informal activities that showcase students' creativity and energy, such as concerts, art exhibitions and sports competitions.
Pay attention to the inheritance of campus culture:
The planning of the celebration should dig deep into and showcase the history and cultural traditions of Tsinghua University, and ensure that the content of the event is consistent with the spirit and values of the university. This kind of in-depth cultural display is more touching and strengthens the sense of identity of alumni and current students.
Through reflection on the celebration, Tsinghua University has had the opportunity to re-examine its activity strategy and approach to community engagement
Reorient the purpose and meaning of the celebration
The anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate the history of the school, but also an important opportunity to strengthen the campus community, showcase academic achievement, and cultivate a vision for the future. Tsinghua University can use this experience to rethink the core objectives and communication methods of the celebration to ensure that they are consistent with the long-term development and social responsibility of the university.
Enhance communication and feedback mechanisms:
Introduce more open communication channels for students, staff, and alumni to provide comments and suggestions during the planning phase of the celebration. Such a sense of engagement strengthens community cohesion and increases the relevance and attractiveness of the event.
Diverse activities:
The celebration programme is designed to include a wide range of activities, from serious academic discussions to casual social activities. This diversity can meet the needs of different participants, which can lead to overall engagement and satisfaction.
Leverage digital technologies to:
Enhance the use of digital elements, such as virtual reality, online livestreaming, etc., to allow alumni and other stakeholders who are unable to attend in person to participate in the celebration. This not only expanded the impact of the event, but also made the celebration more inclusive.
Emphasis on the inheritance of culture and history
Showcasing the school's history and achievements:
Through exhibitions, lectures and other forms, Tsinghua University's historical evolution and academic achievements will be introduced in depth, so that participants can better understand the past and present of the university.
Promoting Campus Culture:
Emphasize the unique culture and traditions of the campus, such as student autonomy and academic freedom, as a way to enhance the sense of identity and belonging of alumni and current students.
summary
Through the lessons learned from this anniversary, Tsinghua University has the opportunity to strengthen its position as a top university at home and abroad, while enhancing the vitality and cohesion of its community. Through more meaningful engagement and exchanges, Tsinghua can not only celebrate its rich history, but also look forward to a brighter and more inclusive future.