First-Year Chinese Language Studies Students: The First Lessons of a New Journey
For first-year Chinese Language students at Hoa Sen University, the university journey begins with the beat of drums, the first strokes of the pen, and the graceful ritual of offering tea and paying respects to their teachers. Beyond the ceremony itself, each tradition offers a first lesson in focus, patience, etiquette, and a sincere spirit of learning, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
An Enlightening Drumbeat for a New Journey
As Hoa Sen University (HSU) welcomed its 2026 cohort, the Chinese Language Studies program marked the beginning of a new academic journey with the resounding beat of ceremonial drums. Echoing through the ceremony, the drumbeats symbolized the awakening of the mind and the opening of a new chapter. For the students, the moment marked their first step into a university journey filled with learning, growth, and self-discovery.
From the first step, students were reminded that learning a language is more than mastering words and skills. It is a journey into the culture, people, and values that give the language its meaning.
First Strokes and the Values of “人”
The opening ceremony continued with “The First Stroke” as new students picked up their brushes for the first time and carefully wrote the Chinese character “人” (person) under the guidance of Dr. Ho Minh Quang, Standing Committee Member, Viet Nam – China Friendship Association.
From sitting posture and pen grip to every stroke and shade, each movement calls for concentration and patience, giving students their first experience of cultivating discipline in body, mind, and spirit.
Through those first strokes, first-year students in the Chinese Language Studies Program were invited to slow down, practice patience, and appreciate that learning is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about shaping who they become.
For students beginning their university journey, the character “人” offers a simple yet meaningful reminder: before learning to build a career, we first learn to become better versions of ourselves.
Traditional Tea Offering to Educators
The series of rituals concludes with the “Tea Offering” to educators. In each cup of tea, students conveyed their respect and gratitude to their educators who will guide, support, and accompany them throughout their university journey ahead.
The values of respecting educators and revering learning have long held a special place in East Asian culture. Bringing this tradition into the welcoming activities for first-year students allows the Chinese Language Studies Program at HSU to offer more than a cultural experience. It gives students a chance to reflect on the teacher-student relationship and the values passed down through generations.
At the same time, the ritual marks a new beginning as new faces step into a learning community where educators guide and accompany them, friends discover and grow together, and each student begins to shape a journey of their own.
Drumbeats, Calligraphy, and the Teacher-Student Bond, these three rituals not only mark the beginning, but their meaning will accompany students throughout their university journey.
With each lesson, cultural experience, and new opportunity, students in the Chinese Language Studies Program will continue to learn, grow, and open new doors to the world through the Chinese language. Before the journey truly begins, students have already received their first lesson: learning a language means more than learning words. It is also a journey of discovering culture, understanding others, and getting to know oneself.
Translated: Tai Do
