The annual Theme Talk series system aiming to raise faculty and students’ common concern for social topics has been running for years in Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau. A number of guest speakers are invited to address the annual convocations around the theme of every academic year. Under the general theme for this year’s “Show concern for our nation and Macau SAR while improving total quality and nursing care competencies”, the first lecture was held on Oct. 15th, given by guest speaker Ms. Susana Chou, the former President of Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR, on the topic of “Social Responsibilities among Macau Undergraduate Students”. The convocation was presided by Lecturer Selwynne Cheong and Student Cheng Ho Kei. The talk attracted more than 200 attendees, including all faculty members and students. Among the invited guests present were the newly-appointed Chairman of Board of Directors Fong Chi Keong, Secretary-General of Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association Ng Pui Kun, KWNC Advisory Committee Member Leong Iok Va and KWNC President Florence Van.

Susana believes that the social responsibilities of Macau undergraduate students are to be embodied through their strenuous studies. The four-year study is all about learning of both professionalism and truth of life that serves to get prepared for future dedication and services to the community. In answer to a student’s question whether the title of “Post-80s or Post-90s” means to diminish their importance since this cluster likes to express appeal through procession and demonstration or presenting petitions, Susana, Calling herself the “Post-40s”, thought that no one should think it that way or look down upon the “Post-80s or Post-90s” if the appeal is expressed in a peaceful, normal or legal way. The elder generation would always think that the new generation is too “radical and mutinous”. However, thanks to the prosperous development of information and technology, the new generation usually cares more for the society, well understands social situation and behaves more maturely in thinking than their seniority. Therefore any rational and legal appeal in positive way should be encouraged and even accepted. But she emphasized that the younger generation should always reflect on their deeds and behaviors and correct mistakes immediately while manifesting their principles and wills. Learning to reflect on oneself and listening to the others is the essential living philosophy of every generation. People love to pursue democracy and freedom, yet this does not mean they can impose their ideology upon others. Once you have learnt the way listening to opinions diverged you can make great strides on the path to success.

For educational section, she stands for those teachers with an open-minded manner. Only when teachers make humble or lowly in mind towards students just like the friends of them while teaching, respect with each other and teach students how to know right from wrong in a guiding way, would they win respects from students. Besides, the faculty members should always listen to students’ appeal modestly and let them have the right to speak. The youngsters are no doubt inexperienced when getting involved in society. People are not born to have life experience but can accumulate experience more and more with the growth of age. Therefore during the growing period, teacher’s correct guidance to students is of key importance.

In response to the hot topics discussed recently in the society, such as Diaoyu Islands and Liu Xiaobo’s case, Susana believed that we had better associate with social reality and historical factors as far as social issue is concerned. The society is progressing, so people’s perspective and cognition of life are also changing. Let’s see the incredible achievements our mother country have made in the past decades with apparent progression in democracy we just couldn’t imagine many years before. As the Chinese citizens, we should have confidence in the future of our nation, bearing responsibilities to protect the state sovereignty and comply with the law of the country. We are proud of being a Chinese nowadays and should unite together to get stronger than ever.

Introspecting to the previous overseas work-study life in France, Susana told what the truth about life is. She was born in a rich family and knows nothing about difficulties and arduousness. The hard life she once led in overseas country made her understand how valuable one can earn a living independently. Though not easy at all, but the truth of life is found there. From then on she made up her mind to make individual achievements and acquire her wealth relying on her own efforts. She has since been studying hard and started her business. One has to set up his goal and ideal in such a society full of substantial materials. She said that only when one’s goal is to be pursued based on desires can the quality of life be realized. This is where the cause and effects lies. She thus encouraged students to accumulate wealth, strengthen their actual power by self reliance so as to create their desired life. In the talk, Susana recommended her blog article writing since leaving the Legislative Assembly, like a mirror of her own life experiences, always showing concern for society and the younger generation, that helps her make friends with many youth net friends.

And then what makes her proudest in life? The answer is the historical moment of Macau’s turnover to our mother country. She is proud, not of a powerful position she took as the President of Legislative Assembly, but of the opportunity she was given to devote to Macau and our nation. The most regretful matter is that the time can not turn back. So she encouraged the youngsters to value their time while setting up their ideals and then trying to pursue them persistently. In presenting her aged-90 father Silas Chou, referring to his recent cooperative technological project with Qinghua University, she regarded him as an example for a meaningful life.

The rich life experiences and distinguished personal knowledge as well as the sincere and caring manner that Susana shared with KWNC general staff and students enlightened the participants a lot. Questions were put forward actively in warm and laughing atmosphere. At the end, Chairman Fong Chi Keong made conclusion and addressed the convocation by encouraging students to find good examples for personal development, which would give endless power for life. Susana is the right example for him. Then President Van also thought that Chou is the teacher about life for all of us. Her persistency and striving spirit is worth learning.