Date: September 11, 2017 

Source: JNU News Press
Author: words by Yi Jin

Photographer: Wu Xiaoyuan

Publisher: News Center

Sept. 10, 2017, was China's 33rd China National Teachers' Day, and also the first day of school for Jinan University freshmen. On such a special day, the School of Journalism and Communication added two links to the Experiential Education Activity of Freshmen Orientation; story-sharing by the Prof. Meng Yasen, who advocated establishing Teachers' Day, and live video connections for freshmen with their high school teachers.

In the first link, Meng shared a story with freshmen about University students who advocated establishing Teachers' Day 33 years ago.

 (Meng sharing his story)

Two groups of JNU students headed to Beijing in July 1984 to submit a proposal about establishing Teachers' Day. One group of seven students took a train to Beijing, and later another group of five rode to their destination. After being given the cold shoulder, the students finally submitted the proposal to the Office of Letters and Calls of the National People's Congress.

At the end of 1984, Guang Ming Daily published the proposal on its front page. Then, on Nov. 11, 1985, the Ninth Meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee announced that China would celebrate National Teachers’ Day each year on Sept. 10.

Today is Teachers' Day, so what do you want to say to your teacher who has helped you? the host asked this year's JNU freshmen in the second link.

Peng Yitian, a freshman majoring in broadcasting and hosting art, volunteered to have a Wechat video call with her high school's head teacher. The video call was projected on a screen so that all students could see their interaction.

(Peng having a video call with her high school teacher)

 (Peng shedding tears)

On such a special day, Hong Yi, deputy director of Student Affairs Office and organizer of both activities, expressed hope that all freshmen would learn about the alumni who advocated establishing Teachers' Day and learn to respect teachers. He also encouraged all students to have good communication with their own teachers and express gratitude to them.