By Liao Chien-yi, Alumnus of Dept. of French ,Interpreter, Embassy Of The Republic Of Malawi

Dear freshman, congratulate and welcome you to this beautiful campus. Whatever moods you have: excited, tense, or disappointed, there is a saying for you. “Don’t make your university life a blank canvas!” In Tamkang, you can splash your colorful brushes to make an beautiful painting. There are outstanding teachers, amazing landscapes, convenient life, various activities, and multiple channels of learning. As long as you take good advantage of them, you will be the bountiful one.

I have been studying in Tamkang for eight years, and I was lucky to be an exchange student for three times, once for undergraduate and twice for graduate studies. The abroad experiences promote my growth extensively. At the first time I went abroad with a group of friends, and it was like going sightseeing without any pressure. I had a lot of chances to have a look at the Europe and improve my language ability. I went abroad by myself in the next two times, which enlarged my knowledge scope and increased my life experience, and made me feel confident to get along with people from different cultures.

There are a lot of good teachers in Tamkang University, and I met many who stimulates me a lot whether in studying or in practical matters. One influential teacher once told me that: “Learning will be nothing if it has no connection with your life.” The point is you have to find the connection by yourself. For example, people have a question that “what can you do after learning French?” I will be proud of saying that: “I can do a lot of things.” Language is not only the tool of expression but also involves the national and cultural significance of the language users. Thus, French represents French culture. Maybe you would say there is no connection between my job and French. However, I can use French language to relate my self to France, French culture and other cultures. (People of various nationality use French as well!) Besides, I have the benefit to access more internet information via this language. Between these connections, I learn how to do and observe things from different angles. I will not hold this “French angle” if I can only speak Chinese or English. Furthermore, learning French improve my English, for I am lucky to be the English interpreter in the embassy of Malawi.

I appreciate Tamkang for it provides a lot of great teachers, who are unselfish to give me a lot of knowledge and life tips. It offers the opportunity to me that I could integrate with the World, expand my world view, and amplify my study. The school offer you materials and chance of learning, but you have to make up your own mind to use and absorb them.

I share these simple words of my humble experience in gratitude. I am not a remarkable or contributed alumnus, but I discover my confidence here. I prepare for my future in Tamkang for eight years, and have confidence to welcome challenges and difficulties.

Please hold a positive attitude towards whatever you learn and whatever you like. Try your best to enrich your interest and recognize the connection between the study and yourself. Everyone has his own way and it is great to see everybody finding his self-confidence in the different field. Are you ready to create your future? Splash your colors! Freshmen! ( ~Chen Chi-szu )