Hey everyone! University isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about making unforgettable memories, meeting awesome people, and doing things that will make you laugh (or question your life choices) years from now! 😆
So… who’s up for a wild night in the University Forest? 🌲🌙
Here’s the plan: 1)🎲 Play games all night 2)🗣 Improve your English skills (without realizing it) 3)🍿 Munch on snacks and drinks all night! 4)💡 Sit in the dark like legends (bring a lamp, a power bank, seriously) 5)📸 Record it all for posting at YouTube fame or YouKu (or blackmail material)
6)📅 When? Saturday night (so you can recover on Sunday - you probably don't have classes on Sunday, right?) from saturday 22:00 pm until sunday sunrise. 7)👥 Who? 5-7 brave souls plus myself. (enough for safety, but not enough for total chaos). You don't want to be with someone alone in the dark, specially if they will accuse you and you don´t have anyone to vouch for you. That is why minimum 5 people 8)🎒 What to bring? Snacks, drinks, a power bank, games, and anything that makes the night more fun
We’ll borrow (totally return in the morning) some chairs and a table from Building 7, set up camp in the forest, and let the madness unfold! 🤪
If you’re in for an epic, hilarious, and absolutely crazy night, message me on WeChat! Let’s make this happen! 🚀🔥
UPDATE (2025 march 03)
I have talked to my assistant and supervisor, and I am sorry to say that this activity was not approved. I am sure those 7 students who where waiting below for the approval would be disappointed, and I supposed if we could do it such activity, we would never forget about it…
Fast forward to this year—my friend Qin Mingyue took those tips seriously. She applied everything, practiced like a pro, and guess what? She won first place in the competition! 🥇🎉
Since I was a judge at all three rounds of the contest (and recorded everything 📹),I decided to go beyond a simple post — I created a FREE mini-course on how to deliver a winning speech! This course is packed with real examples from students who competed, plus practical techniques to improve not just your public speaking skills but also your English fluency. Because let’s be real—if you don’t speak English well, how can you expect to win?
So, if you want to: ✅ Speak confidently ✅ Improve your English ✅ Ace your next speech contest (or just impress your audience!)
🎓 Check out the course—it's 100% free and straight to the point! → Click here to see it
Don’t just take my word for it—Qin Mingyue put these strategies into action and walked away with the gold. Will you be next? 💡🎙️
🎤 Want to Own the Stage? This Free Course Will Show You How! 🚀🏆
Public speaking can feel like stepping into a lion’s den—but it doesn’t have to! Whether you're aiming for a speech contest victory or just want to sound more confident in English, this free mini-course will teach you how to grab attention, keep your audience engaged, and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:
🔥 Introduction – Let’s set the stage! Why do some speeches captivate while others fall flat? Learn the core secrets behind powerful public speaking.
👋 First Impressions – They say first impressions last forever! Find out how to hook your audience in the first few seconds and make them excited to listen to you.
💡 Making Gestures – Your hands shouldn’t just hang there! Learn how to use gestures naturally to emphasize your points and add energy to your delivery.
👀 Not Reading & Making Eye Contact – Don’t be the person staring at their notes! I’ll show you how to connect with your audience using strong eye contact while delivering your speech smoothly and naturally.
😨 Fear – Nervous? Good! It means you care. But I’ll teach you how to turn those butterflies into confidence so your fear doesn’t control you.
🗣️ Pronunciation, Accent & Clarity – Speaking English well is half the battle! You’ll learn how to improve pronunciation, refine your accent, and speak with clarity so your message is loud and clear.
👂 Listening Exercise – Being a great speaker starts with being a great listener. This fun exercise will help you train your ears and improve your communication skills effortlessly.
📖 Reading Exercise – Reading out loud isn’t just for kids! This exercise will boost your fluency, pronunciation, and confidence when speaking in front of an audience.
🚀 Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? This free course is packed with real examples, expert techniques, and practical exercises to make sure you walk away a better speaker.
🎓 Sign up now and start speaking like a champion! → Enroll for FREE!
Even thou just few students show up for the activity, and that feels a little awkward I did reserve such a big class for the event, the activity was very successful, it would be successful even just one student show up.
Fof this activity we watch it Avatar (2009),it was a 3 hours movie and we enjoy it a lot, it was so fun to do it that perhaps I will do it again…
Learning English doesn’t have to be boring or feel like hard work—one of the most enjoyable ways to improve your skills is by watching movies! Films expose you to natural conversations, different accents, cultural expressions, and real-life situations that textbooks simply can’t capture.
When I was living in the USA, I used to go to the movie theaters every week. It was very affordable, especially with dollar movies. At first, I didn’t understand much, and it felt overwhelming. But I kept going, listening, and paying attention to the dialogue. Little by little, my comprehension improved, and I started recognizing words, phrases, and even jokes. The key is to never give up and enjoy the process. One day, all your effort will pay off, and you’ll be glad you stuck with it.
Below are some pictures from when I was living in USA and how I used to make watching movies as part of my English learning process…
If you’re learning English, try watching movies with subtitles at first, then gradually switch to English audio without them. Choose films you love so that learning feels fun. Your brain will naturally absorb new words, pronunciation, and sentence structures.
Have you ever used movies to improve your English? What’s your favorite film for learning? Let me know in WeChat if you have my contact 🎥✨
Today, on my way back from lunch, I noticed some activity in the playground. It wasn’t as crowded as I imagine it had been in the morning, but something about it caught my attention. Curious, I walked over to see what was happening.
It turned out to be a job fair. There weren’t many students around at that moment, but what I saw next was enough to prove a very important point.
I recognized one of the company representatives, Eric, who works for a global business. He was speaking with a student I knew from the English Corner—someone I had personally encouraged to practice English because I knew he was making an effort to improve. As I listened to their conversation, I realized something incredible: Eric wasn’t just chatting—he was scouting for talent.
By the end of our discussion, Eric turned to me and asked, “Do you have more students like him? We need people who can speak English.”
Think about that for a second. This company was ready to hire someone not because of their degree, not because of their grades, but because they could communicate in English. The ability to speak English was more important than a diploma in that moment. Why? Because businesses in China—and all over the world—need people who can sell, negotiate, and communicate across borders.
This is not a rare situation. It happens all the time. Those who make even a small effort to learn English open doors to opportunities that others never will.
So ask yourself: Are you ready for when an opportunity like this comes your way? Or will you let it slip by because you didn’t take English seriously?
The Importance of Lab Safety Rules: A Guide for Students
As a university teacher, I always emphasize the importance of safety in the classroom and laboratory. Whether you are conducting experiments in a science lab, working with electronic equipment, or using specialized software, following safety protocols ensures a secure learning environment for everyone. Recently, I was asked to sign a document in Chinese regarding laboratory safety. Although I do not speak Chinese, I recognize that these guidelines are essential for protecting students, staff, and equipment. In this post, I will highlight key points from the document and explain why they matter.
Why Lab Safety Matters
Laboratories contain valuable equipment and materials that must be handled with care. Safety protocols help prevent accidents, protect individuals, and ensure that learning can continue without disruption. Ignoring these rules can lead to injuries, equipment damage, or even major disruptions to academic activities.
Key Safety Rules from the Document
The document I was asked to sign outlines various safety responsibilities for students and teachers. Here are some key points:
Safety Responsibility System
The laboratory follows a structured safety management system where supervisors, lab managers, and instructors all play a role in ensuring safety.
Strict Adherence to Lab Regulations
Every person entering the lab must follow all rules and regulations. The lab is managed by specific personnel responsible for its maintenance and security.
Safety Education Before Experiments
Before conducting any lab work, both teachers and students must undergo safety training to prevent accidents. - in our case we just use the computer to watch and listen material, so not much training is required here
Teachers’ Responsibility for Student Safety
Instructors must educate students on safety protocols and ensure they follow proper procedures during experiments. One protocol we will start using from now on is no food or drink in the computer lab, can you imagine what will happen if you spill drink on the computer ??
Proper Use of Equipment
Before starting an experiment, instructors must check and verify all equipment. Any issues must be recorded and reported. - If you choose a computer that is working and by the end of the class it had stop working - please report that.
Electrical Safety
Teachers are responsible for turning on and off equipment before and after class. Students must not unplug or tamper with electrical components.
Fire Safety and Emergency Equipment
It is strictly forbidden to move or damage fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Lab managers have the right to deny access to anyone who does not follow safety procedures.
Proper Use of Personal Computers and Network Equipment
Students are not allowed to use personal laptops or unauthorized network connections in the lab. If this rule is violated and results in damage, the instructor will be held accountable. - in our case , please don't try plug any personal device to school device. KEEP THEM SEPARATED.
Waste Disposal Management
Used materials should not be disposed of carelessly. They must be sorted and disposed of properly to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Emergency Response
In case of an emergency, lab administrators and teachers must work together to implement the emergency response plan and minimize damage or injury.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and following lab safety rules is crucial for a productive and accident-free learning environment. As students, you have a responsibility to respect these guidelines and take safety seriously. If you have any questions about lab procedures, always ask your instructor or lab supervisor. Let’s work together to create a safe and efficient educational space!
Those pictures above are good example of such rules to be followed in laboratory - thank you for your cooperation.
The Effort You Put in Determines the English You Get Out
Some students think, "This class is too easy. I don’t even need to do the homework or assignments to pass." And at first glance, they might be right. My grading system rewards effort—you get points for simply attempting the homework, even if your answers aren’t perfect. I do this because I want to encourage participation and practice, the two most important aspects of learning a language.
But here’s the problem: Some students take this as a free pass to do nothing. They assume that since the exams aren’t extremely difficult, they’ll pass without putting in real effort. And while that might be true technically, it completely misses the point.
Why Some Students Fail (and Others Succeed)
Last semester, I noticed something interesting. Some students who weren’t strong in English decided to skip assignments, assuming they could still pass. Others, however, took advantage of every opportunity to improve. One key example? The individual assignment. It wasn’t worth many points, so a lot of students just ignored it, thinking they didn’t need it.
The result? Some students failed by just one point. Those who had done the individual assignment received the extra point they needed to pass. But those who skipped it? I let their final grade stand as it was.
Did I enjoy failing them? Of course not. But I had to draw a line. If I let students believe they can do nothing and still pass, I would lose their respect, and the value of my class would mean nothing. More importantly, they would lose the opportunity to actually improve their English.
The Real Test: Your Future
Here’s the truth: The students who put in the effort now will be the ones who see results later. English isn’t just another school subject—it’s a key that unlocks opportunities. Imagine missing out on a great job just because you didn’t take your English studies seriously when you had the chance.
And that brings me to something else I noticed in class. I once played a video for discussion, asking students to watch and answer questions. When I looked around the room, most students were staring at their phones. Only two were actually watching the video.
No wonder only a few students succeed. Is it a lack of ability? No. It’s a lack of motivation.
That’s why I tell stories about success. Because success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who are willing to pay the price.
So ask yourself: Are you putting in the effort to succeed? Or are you just hoping to scrape by?
The choice is yours. But remember—your future will reflect the effort you put in today.
As September 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the start of this semester. With classes back in session, I’ve had the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It’s been especially refreshing to make friends with the freshmen—many of them are full of excitement as they begin their college journey. They’re easy to spot around campus, especially before their military training ends, since they’re required to wear uniforms that set them apart. As a foreigner, I seem to catch their attention quite often. Many have told me they’ve never had the opportunity to speak with someone from another country, which makes our conversations all the more special.
Li Xiaoyu (Freshman student with the military uniform)
My role as a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. Many of the friendships I form at the university are with students who never actually become my own. Still, when I connect with a freshman and help them believe that—with consistent effort—they can achieve strong English skills by the time they graduate, the impact is profound. The rewards of mastering English are both financial and social, and I’m here to support them on that journey. I’ve had the privilege of helping several students already, and it brings me immense joy.
Last week, I celebrated my birthday on Thursday, September 25. To my surprise, I received a cake on Saturday—something I truly hadn’t expected. It was such a thoughtful gesture that I ended up sharing the moment on WeChat. The response was overwhelming in the best way. Not only did many people reach out, but I also reconnected with old friends who had graduated years ago from the universities where I taught before moving to Zhengzhou. It was a heartwarming reminder of the lasting connections built through teaching.
Me and LouYike next to me and a cake
LouYike, pictured next to me above, was the one who surprised me with a birthday cake—and I truly appreciated it. When I first arrived in China back in 2018, I assumed my birthdays would feel lonely. I had no family here and didn’t know anyone at the time. But thankfully, there are always kind and thoughtful people like LouYike who make sure the day doesn’t pass unnoticed. I never expect anything—just a simple birthday wish would be enough—but more often than not, it comes with a cake, candles, and singing. It’s those gestures that make all the difference.
One of my old friends who reached out to wish me a happy birthday was XuRui, whom I met in Jiujiang back in 2020. We became really good friends during that time. He often joined me for walks around Lushan Mountain, which is near the university there. XuRui graduated a couple of years ago, and I still remember him as one of the students with truly impressive English skills.
XuRui and I recently caught up over a video call to reminisce about old times. We talked about many things—life, work, and how much has changed. He used to teach IELTS, but has since left that job to pursue a freelance career. He definitely has an entrepreneurial spirit, and while going solo can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding if done right. XuRui is a smart and capable person, and I’m genuinely cheering him on as he takes this exciting step forward.
Another thing that stood out to me is that XuRui has been in a relationship for two years now. I shared some thoughts with him—these days, it often feels like many people only want to date someone who already has a stable job, a car, and a house. So when you're still a university student without those things, it can be hard to find someone who truly sees you for who you are. That’s why I told him: if she started dating you while you were still a student, that’s a very good sign. It means she values you for who you are, not for your money or success. A girl like that is rare to find, and it’s just one more reason I think he’s incredibly lucky. I’m genuinely happy for him.
I also told XuRui how lucky he is—not just because his girlfriend is very cute, as you can see in the photo, but because their relationship seems genuine. I shared a story with him about a couple I met here in Zhengzhou. I even taught a few classes at their English school, which they run out of their own apartment. They had converted several rooms into classrooms. The wife told me that her husband had lost his job, and it was her idea to start the school since she speaks English well. Now, they work together to support their family. If she had only been interested in money, she might have left him—but she didn’t. They’re still together, strong and united, raising two beautiful children. You can see the love between them. They’re a wonderful example of a happy couple who understand that marriage is a blessing when built on the right foundation.
His answer after sharing the story with him
That’s why I believe XuRui is heading in the right direction. If you’re reading this, XuRui, I genuinely wish you all the best. You deserve it. You were a great student, and I’m confident that will reflect in your life after graduation. Don’t get discouraged—life always has its bumps, but those challenges can’t hold good people down.
Teaching as a volunteer at that couple´s school (from the story I shared with XuRui)
