The sky is clear and the sun is shining, spreading a long memory through the leafy trees.

Although it is early autumn, the scenery is still in the height of summer in Shenzhen. The 2023 Diligentia College Welcoming Season came as scheduled, students from all over the world gather in Diligentia College. Perhaps in the hearts of Diligentia students, Diligentia is the symbol of home, filled with rich and colorful activities, and creating a sense of belonging.

WELCOMING CEREMONY

On September 4, 2023, new students dressed in color-changing college T-shirts sat neatly in the sunken square of Diligentia College. The color of azure and the clear sky complemented each other, highlighting the vitality of Diligentia people. The welcoming ceremony also kicked off in an environment of jubilation and expectation.

Professor Zhu Shiping, Vice President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; Professor Gu Yang, Master of Diligentia College; wardens; tutors; and students arrived at the ceremony one after another. After the guests were seated, all the teachers and students stood up to sing the national anthem. The solemn Five-Starred Red Flag and the passionate melody created a time of excitement.

Diligentia Chorus staged on to sing the College Anthem A Window to the World. "Prepare for society, embrace variety. Reach the world, and let your life unfurled. Practice moral goals, and let virtues play their roles. Aim for a leap, from steps small and deep." Graceful and warm songs rippled the goodness in the hearts. The picture of the previous college was like a window, slowly unfolding in front of everyone's eyes. Subsequently, the PinkPunk dance team of Diligentia lit up the audience with a dance, pushing the ceremony to the next climax. They welcomed the new students into the college family with dancing steps and cheerful music.

Professor Gu Yang, Master of Diligentia College, delivered a welcoming speech at the ceremony. Professor Gu Yang warmly welcomed the new students to join the family of Diligentia College and expected that in the future, students could enhance inclusiveness,  increase mutual understanding and communication, and actively explore the possibilities of themselves and the future. College was like a second home, providing students with many opportunities and platforms. Under the infiltration of college culture, Professor Gu hoped we could have a conscience and do good to the world.

Then, the 2022-2023 Diligentia College Scholarship Award ceremony was held. Diligentia College Excellent Student Activities Awards, Diligentia College Residential Performance Awards, Diligentia College Outstanding Social Service Awards, and Diligentia College Master's List were presented to students who had demonstrated outstanding performance and made outstanding contributions to College activities. The Most Popular Student Organization Group Award was also set up this year to recognize the student organizations that had contributed to the cultural dissemination of the College, and the RESIDENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF DILIGENTIA COLLEGE(RSADC) and OPEN RAIN(OR) won the award.

Finally, Professor Zhu Shiping, Vice President of the University, welcomed the new students with a warm and humorous speech. He congratulated the freshmen on entering the university, starting a new journey in life, making valuable companions, and stressed that students should cultivate good study habits. He also encouraged students to enjoy the journey as much as possible. The scenery on the mountainside is often more attractive than the top, and don't forget to look up at the stars when climbing to the top. He hoped that everyone would participate in college activities and enjoy College life for a wonderful four years. At the same time, he expected that students should also learn to use the resources provided by the university and the college and communicate with the wardens and tutors. In the applause, everyone took a group photo to mark the moment and the welcome ceremony was officially ended. The relaxing and interesting ice-breaking activities were about to begin.

ICE BREAKING

More than ten interesting game punch points were set around the college buildings, the college atrium, and the court. College seniors worked as Collegemates, leading each small team composed of new students to participate in the ice-breaking games.

In the final team event, the pillow fight and the "Max Energy FUN" tug-of-war ignited the next match point. With a strong sense of honor, each division team launched a fierce competition and did not give in to each other. The small pillows printed with colorful fruits, waving arms, excited shouts and sweaty students together constituted the most unforgettable and warm memories. The volunteer team also actively participated in the pillow fight, and the atmosphere of the field was sound and rich.

After the ice-breaking games, all the teachers and students took a photo together in the college atrium to record the moment. The universe is boundless, the dreams are infinite, and the college is our second home, giving us support and warmth. Hope that everyone in the future study and life, with this courage and sincerity, steps forward without fear of a rough road.