A letter to Zhejiang University

Dear Zhejiang University,

Never before have I ever thought of writing a letter to you as a child who is going to bid farewell to you in less than a year. The three-year acquaintance with you has imprinted a myriad of fond memories on my mind. Though apart in the not-too-distant future, I feel a compelling obligation to express my heartfelt gratitude and great admiration to you without reservation.

It was 6 years ago that I made my first encounter with you. At first sight, I was absolutely mesmerized by your enchanting beauty and immense magnificence. You seemed to be a perfect match for me, satisfying my imagination of a tranquil water village and a modern urban city at the same time. The two distinct styles were seamlessly merged, contrasting each other to bring out their true beauty. Rivers and streets were laced with aromatic flowers and lush trees. Apart from the natural landscape, you also exhibited profound cultural deposits. With the principle of seeking the truth and pursuing innovation, you have fostered generations of talents, who contributed a lot to social progress and technological development.

Embraced by you three years later, I felt so lucky to be your beloved child. You have been feeding me with abundant resources and knowledge. During my first year with you, I developed a perspicacious understanding of all the subjects that intrigued me. You were in no hurry to push me to choose a specific area. Instead, you allowed me to find the most appropriate research field by trial and error. After I made up my mind to be dedicated to translation, you arranged experts in this regard to guide me. You also invited professionals to give lectures, broadening my horizons and inspiring me to move on in this field. Whenever possible, you would like to send your children out for further studies. I obtained a valuable chance to study abroad for half a year, enjoying the bilateral preferential policies that you managed to get.

Apart from the quintessential knowledge I acquired, I was also well looked after in catering and accommodation. I have to say that you are such a good cook, able to transform the raw materials into delicious cuisines and catering to all your children from both at home and abroad. My increasing weight is intimately tied to your superb culinary skills. In addition, you nearly spoil us in providing such cozy rooms and comprehensive facilities: gyms to work out, theaters to watch movies, cafes to hang out, etc.

Now in the fourth year, my attachment to you is growing even stronger though I will bid farewell to you soon. No matter where I will go in the future, you will be my first answer to the question of “who impresses you most?”. Thank you again for your tolerance of my immaturity, pulling me out from ignorance and leading me to my ultimate destination. You would instruct me when I was in confusion and encourage me when I was in depression. It was you who witnessed my growth in these years and I will never let you down wherever my next stop could be.

Photo: YANG Jie & XU Guoliang