1. In the many practical experiences you have participated in, are there any particularly unique experiences or specific cases that you encountered that are not covered in textbooks or theoretical research? What insights on social growth have these firsthand experiences added to your understanding?

Liu Xudong: One of the most memorable experiences from my past practical activities occurred during the college's tenth anniversary conference when I had an exchange with a leader from China Shipbuilding Group. As the number of talents grows in various industries, competition becomes increasingly fierce. However, in such circumstances, it is crucial not to get lost in anxiety and pressure. Instead, we should shift our focus from external factors back to ourselves, spending more time and effort on enhancing our hard skills—whether it be knowledge accumulation, coding capabilities, hardware skills, or graphic design abilities. We should reflect on what we can do and what we are capable of, and work diligently to improve ourselves. There will come a day when we can thrive in a highly competitive environment.

2. In your coursework, what do you think has been your biggest challenge? What methods did you use to overcome it? What growth has this experience brought you?

Liu Xudong: Aside from exams, the biggest challenge should be completing major assignments. Each course's major project generally requires us to learn how to use new software, which often leads to various bugs and problems that can be difficult to resolve, testing our information search skills. However, these issues can usually be addressed by consulting with classmates or teachers. If that doesn’t work, it’s important to prepare for tackling the challenges head-on, dedicating more time and energy to completion. The growth and sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming a difficult task are unmatched by anything else.

3. Looking back on your four years of university, what key milestones would you use to delineate your growth stages? What were your biggest gains and transformations at each stage?

Liu Xudong: The first important milestone was when I entered the School of Marine Science and Technology in my second year. I formed many new friendships and got to know several dedicated and caring teachers. During this stage, my commitment to studying hard was strengthened, and I clarified my self-positioning, gradually working towards my goals.

The second significant milestone was during the recommendation for postgraduate studies. At this stage, I had to integrate and reflect on all my past experiences, thinking about what aspects I still needed to improve. This period also required strong information-gathering abilities, and I increasingly recognized the importance of communicating with senior students. Their experiences are invaluable and can help us avoid many detours and pitfalls.

Moreover, it is crucial to always remember that I am the primary decision-maker responsible for my choices. It is essential not to delegate difficult decisions to others. Beyond weighing the advantages and disadvantages of external conditions, it is more important to assess my own needs and clarify my values. Once a decision is made, I should not romanticize the paths that were not chosen, but rather believe that things will continue to improve!