In this era of information explosion, a seemingly ordinary word can cause an uproar. Recently, the speech of a graduate of Zhejiang University set off a heated discussion on the Internet about patriotism and studying abroad.
This begs the question: is there only one form of patriotism? Does studying abroad mean turning away from my home country? Let's dive into this thought-provoking topic.
On a sunny day in June 2024, the campus of Zhejiang University was filled with an atmosphere of joy and parting. At the solemn graduation ceremony, Yang Jinwen, the representative of the outstanding graduates, stood on the rostrum and looked firmly at the teachers and students in the audience.
Her passionate speech, especially the phrase "I want to go where my country needs it most", instantly ignited the enthusiasm of everyone present. The applause came and went like a tidal wave, and it lasted for a long time.
Yang Jinwen's speech not only reflects her deep personal feelings for the motherland, but also becomes a banner that inspires young people in the new era to work hard.
Just as the video of Yang Jinwen's speech was widely circulated on major social platforms and received countless likes and retweets, an unexpected news quietly spread: this outstanding graduate who had just generously stated that he wanted to dedicate himself to the motherland had applied for the graduate program of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. This information is like a depth charge, setting off waves in the online world.
Yang Jinwen was born in an ordinary worker family in Zhejiang Province, and has shown extraordinary talent for learning since he was a child. In basic education, her grades were always at the top. After entering Zhejiang University, she not only excelled in her studies and won many scholarships, but also actively participated in student work, and eventually became the president of the student union. Her experience is a success story for the current generation of college students.
Immediately after the news broke, two very different voices appeared on the network.
Supporters believe that studying abroad is not the same as turning his back on the motherland, on the contrary, it may be Yang Jinwen's choice in order to learn advanced knowledge, broaden his international horizons, and better serve the motherland. They believe that in today's globalized world, this choice is not only understandable, but also worthy of recognition.
Critics expressed strong dissatisfaction with Yang's inconsistent words and deeds. They believe that it is hypocritical and deceiving public feelings to turn around and apply to foreign universities when they make a high-profile announcement at the graduation ceremony that they want to go to the places where the motherland needs it most.
Some netizens pointed out sharply: "It turns out that the 'most needed place for the motherland' in her mouth is in the United States!" "
Another person sarcastically said: "This kind of 'two-faced person' approach is really chilling." "
In 2008, a graduate of a well-known university chanted "I love China" passionately at the ceremony, but then chose to study in the United States, which also caused heated discussions. This seems to have become a social topic that appears periodically, and it can attract widespread attention and discussion every time.
In the face of the surging doubts, Yang Jinwen himself chose to remain silent. There has been no official response from the university for this matter. Although the controversy seems to have ended without a hitch, the deep reflections it provoked are far from over.
This incident once again pushed the eternal topic of "patriotism" to the forefront of the public eye. Patriotism, in what way should it be expressed?
Does studying abroad mean giving up the opportunity to contribute to the motherland? In an era where the world is becoming more and more interconnected, should we look at the choice of studying abroad with a more open and inclusive mind?
Perhaps, true patriotism should not be limited to the choice of geographical location, but should be embodied in the practical actions of contributing what they have learned to the development of the country. No matter where you are, as long as you care about the motherland, strive to improve your ability, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity and development of the motherland, this is the true meaning of patriotism.
In this new era full of opportunities and challenges, what we need may be a more diversified view of patriotism. It should embrace different choices, encourage diverse development paths, and ultimately converge into a powerful force for national progress. Let us write a patriotic chapter belonging to this era with a more open mind.