In an era of unprecedented opportunities, today’s young generation is embracing its moment to strive and make a difference. At China University of Geosciences (CUG), growth knows no boundaries, and every path offers limitless possibilities. Today, we meet six CUG students who are pursuing excellence across diverse fields—advancing scientific research, dedicating themselves to public service, challenging their own limits, and driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Through their determination and dedication, they embody the spirit of responsibility and commitment that defines today’s youth.
Zhu Yanchao: Grounded in Geophysics, Driven by a Commitment to Serve the Nation
Zhu Yanchao, an undergraduate student who entered the School of Geophysics and Geomatics at CUG in 2023, is regarded by faculty and fellow students as an outstanding young role model who pursues academic excellence while turning his aspirations to serve the country into concrete action. From a freshman who was still exploring his academic direction to a student who has earned more than ten honors—including the Gold Award at the Hubei Provincial Competition of the National College Students Career Planning Competition—Zhu’s journey reflects the spirit of CUG: hardwork, simplicity, seeking truth and pragmatism.
Zhu Yanchao at the award ceremony of the Hubei Provincial Competition of the National College Students Career Planning Competition
When Zhu first entered university, he had only a limited understanding of geophysics and was uncertain about the value of his major and his future career path. A career planning course during his freshman year marked a turning point. Guided by Zeng Yi, a career counselor at CUG, Zhu began to systematically reflect on his strengths, deepen his understanding of his field, and map out his vision for university life. It was during this process that the seeds of his commitment to geophysics and his aspiration to put his knowledge to meaningful use were planted, laying a solid foundation for his future growth.
There is no shortcut to growth—only persistent effort and dedicated practice. Academically, Zhu approaches learning with diligence and curiosity, building a strong foundation in his discipline. He has consistently achieved scores above 90 in core courses and has received numerous honors, including the National Encouragement Scholarship, the CUG President’s Scholarship, and the University Outstanding Student Award. Beyond the classroom, Zhu has embraced the principle of learning through practice. By participating in professional competitions, he has strengthened his technical skills and mastered the operation of instruments such as logging equipment. His achievements include first prize at the National College Students Well Logging Skills Competition, an Outstanding Award in the national “Understanding China” essay competition, as well as four provincial-level and more than 30 university-level awards.
Beginning in his sophomore year, Zhu joined a research team and once spent nearly a month working from early morning to late evening conducting systematic measurements of rock magnetic data. Through this experience, he developed hands-on expertise across the entire research process, including field sampling, instrument operation, and laboratory analysis, gradually transforming himself from a learner into a young researcher. He currently leads a National College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program and participates in several research projects and industry collaboration projects. He has published one paper in a leading Chinese journal and has filed two patents as the first inventor.
It was this solid foundation in professional knowledge and practical experience that enabled Zhu to stand out among competitors and win the Gold Award at the Hubei Provincial Competition of the National College Students Career Planning Competition. During the preparation process, Zhu studied white papers and technical reports released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, analyzed industry trends, explored career pathways for graduates, and identified the direction of intelligent transformation in geophysics. To refine his career plan, he revised his proposal dozens of times, addressing key industry challenges such as the integration of artificial intelligence with traditional exploration, to ensure that every aspect of his plan was both data-driven and aligned with industry needs. With guidance from Zeng Yi and Gao Lingfeng, he continued to grow throughout the competition.
During the final presentation, when a judge asked him about the difference between intelligent exploration and traditional exploration, Zhu responded confidently:“Technology will continue to evolve, but geological thinking and an understanding of the underlying physical principles are qualities that AI cannot replace. Future geophysicists should be scientists who understand and apply AI.” For Zhu, both data-driven and aligned with industry needs. He believes that personal growth should go hand in hand with contributing to the wider community..
Zhu Yanchao (center) with Deputy Dean Guo Xiaoyu and counselor Gao Lingfeng after the competition
Over the past three years of university study, Zhu has developed a clear understanding of the connection between academic learning, scientific research, and career development. Focusing on the present, he continues to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and geosciences while gaining comprehensive research experience across the entire process. Looking ahead, he hopes to devote himself to the field of intelligent exploration, becoming an interdisciplinary professional and using his expertise to tackle complex industry challenges and contribute to energy and resource sustainability. .
“Stay rooted in your field, grow toward the light, follow the path of truth, and let your work make a difference.” With these words, Zhu encourages fellow CUG students to embrace their ideals, integrate their aspirations with the spirit of the times, and pursue excellence with determination—making the most of their youth while contributing to the future.
Hou Lingling: Telling China’s Stories Through the Voice of Youth
If you ask Hou Lingling what CUG has given her, she would say it is not a single, straight path, but a fertile ground where she can take root, grow, and thrive. From CUG’s youth training program to provincial and national-level programs; from classrooms beneath Nanwang Mountain to the podiums of rural schools in Badong County, Hou Lingling, a master’s student from CUG, has spent seven years turning an abstract concept into a concrete path..
“Strengthening one’s understanding and convictions through rigorous study is the first lesson for every participant and the most important part of the program.” Hou has always remembered these words. During one discussion in class, she was deeply inspired by the story of President Xi Jinping’s experiences in Liangjiahe and the challenges he overcame during his early years. She asked herself: “If I were in that situation, could I endure the difficulties? Could I stay true and maintain my connection with the people even in challenging circumstances?” She did not answer the question immediately. Instead, she found her answer through her later experiences in teaching support programs, public lectures, and student mentorship—one page at a time.
Hou Lingling (center) with students during her teaching support program
“I have always hoped to contribute more to society and serve others through my own actions.”
Driven by this sincere and heartfelt aspiration, Hou joined the Graduate Student Teaching Support Program and spent a year teaching in Badong County.
In the classroom, she delivered civic education in language that students could easily understand, bringing key theories related to China’s development to life. Outside the classroom, she organized activities such as science outreach programs, and patriotism education initiatives. She also made a habit of asking her students a few extra questions: “How are you spending your vacation?” “Are you sleeping well?” “Is your dormitory warm enough during the winter?” These questions were not found in textbooks. Yet Hou understood that love takes root in young hearts through countless moments of listening, caring, and being present.
For her dedication and commitment, Hou was twice recognized as an Outstanding Teacher of Badong County. After her teaching program ended, messages from her students often read: “Teacher Hou, when will you come back?” and “Teacher Hou, you have taught me so much.” For Hou, these words are the most meaningful recognition of her time as a volunteer teacher.
Hou Lingling attending the opening ceremony of the national program
Looking back on nearly seven years at CUG, Hou has always held herself to the belief of “lighting one lamp to illuminate many others.” She has devoted herself to deepening her theoretical understanding, expanding meaningful connections, and refining the way she communicates ideas.
As the leader of the “Voice of Red” publicity and education team, Hou has organized monthly reading and discussion sessions. She believes that only by truly understanding the original works herself can she share their ideas with confidence and sincerity.
In recent years, Hou has delivered more than 40 public lectures. In May this year, during the national university relay campaign “China’s Voice of Theory · Charming Yangtze River,” she joined volunteers from 52 universities in calling on young people across the country to protect the Yangtze River. To make the talks more engaging, Hou and her team have integrated CUG’s features into their work and created various digital media projects, including short thematic lessons, interactive H5 mini programs, and illustrated educational materials.
“Transforming theoretical learning into the ability to communicate ideas effectively, and telling China’s stories to the world through the voice of youth—this is both the responsibility of students at our school and my mission as a program participant,” Hou said.
Looking ahead, Hou will continue to make theoretical learning and public communication more relatable and accessible, better serve young people, and continue growing into a young professional of the new era with broad aspirations, firm convictions, and a grounded approach.
Gong Zhimin: Once on the Track, No Giving Up
At the 2026 Wuhan Marathon, Gong Zhimin, a first-year graduate student from the School of Geography and Information Engineering, completed the race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 13 seconds. What few people knew was that Gong, originally from Chenzhou, Hunan Province, completed the entire marathon while suffering from iliotibial band syndrome. Before the race, he had already been diagnosed with the condition, and repeated friction around the injured area had caused inflammation and intense pain with every step. “The marathon is about 35,000 steps in total. Every single step was difficult, and with medical guidance and pain management measures, I managed to get through it. Once you step onto the course, you cannot give up easily,” he said.
Gong Zhimin competing in a marathon
Gong first developed a passion for long-distance running during his sophomore year and gradually became an experienced endurance runner, completing five half marathons and sixteen full marathons. He has received honors including the University Top Ten Athletes Award and third place in the Wugong Mountain College Student Mountaineering Competition. Beyond organized races, Gong has also challenged himself through a 122-kilometer ultra-marathon, cycled around Hainan Island, Dongting Lake, Qinghai Lake, and Sayram Lake, and ridden through diverse landscapes including coastal areas, deserts, canyons, and plateaus. His journeys have taken him across more than 20 provinces and over 70 cities in China, where he has experienced local cultures and admired the country’s magnificent landscapes. His story has been featured by media outlets such as Sanxiang Metropolis Daily.
The most unforgettable experience for Gong was the Pu’er Marathon in Yunnan. “I had just finished my graduate entrance examination at the time. I spent more than 20 hours traveling to Yunnan by a regular seat. After completing a nearly 1,000-kilometer cycling journey from Kunming to Lijiang, I rushed to Pu’er to prepare for the marathon, only to catch a severe cold after encountering a strong cold wave,” Gong recalled. He finished the race despite exhaustion and illness. This experience helped him better understand the meaning of perseverance and passion.
After joining CUG as a graduate student, Gong became a member of the Zhendanji Running Club, where he runs around East Lake with fellow runners in the morning, trains on campus tracks at night, and hikes through Wuhan’s mountains during holidays. He believes that sports have not only strengthened his physical fitness but also made him more optimistic and confident while allowing him to meet like-minded friends. Even with a demanding academic schedule, he continues to make time for short runs in the morning or before bed to maintain balance and stay focused on his research.
Gong Zhimin (far right) during a field research expedition
As a graduate student specializing in Geographic Information Science and Technology, Gong combines scientific research with field exploration. In the mountainous areas of Tengchong, Yunnan, he carried equipment weighing dozens of kilograms while investigating the thresholds between methane flux and soil moisture. In Dajiu Lake, Shennongjia, he overcame the challenges posed by hidden wetlands while studying methane-related lipid indicators in peatlands.
He says he is passionate about research that connects him with landscapes and nature. “I hope to carry forward CUG’s spirit of hardwork, simplicity, seeking truth and pragmatism in every run I take and every step I make in my growth,” he said.
Looking ahead, Gong plans to continue developing his expertise, combining his professional knowledge with his personal strengths. He hopes to remain committed to his passion for long-distance running and field exploration, while pursuing broader horizons on both his research journey and his path through life.
Zhang Jiafei: Every Small Contribution Brings New Vitality to the Yangtze River
“Before, I simply saw myself as someone living along the Yangtze River. But now I understand that protecting the Yangtze River and preserving its cultural heritage are not only major national initiatives—they are also matters closely connected to our everyday lives.” At the “Promoting Volunteerism and Jointly Protecting the Yangtze River” Yangtze River Conservation Volunteer Action Conference, Zhang Jiafei, leader of the Chujiang Shiyi ("Rediscovering the Chu River") Social Practice Team and a PhD candidate from the School of Economics and Management, shared stories of how she and her team have worked to protect the Yangtze River ecosystem and preserve the cultural heritage along the river. Through her efforts, she demonstrates the dedication and sense of responsibility of young people in the new era.
Zhang Jiafei sharing her social practice experience at the Yangtze River Conservation Volunteer Action Conference
Zhang Jiafei’s involvement in Yangtze River conservation began as a continuation of a “relay of youth.” As a student of Professor Li Jiangmin, the team’s faculty advisor, she witnessed her advisor and senior students dedicating years to protecting the Yangtze River and preserving its cultural heritage. Their commitment and passion inspired her to join the team.
She recalled how her mentors and fellow team members visited inheritors of Wuhan’s traditional wood-carved boat model craftsmanship, an item of intangible cultural heritage. “This made me realize that Yangtze River conservation is not only about protecting the environment, but also about preserving and continuing the historical and cultural legacy of the river.”
Zhang Jiafei (far left) participating in the summer social practice program
After taking on the role of team leader, Zhang continued the mission passed down by previous members and led the Chujiang Shiyi Social Practice Team in frontline initiatives focused on ecological conservation and cultural preservation.
In 2024, the team organized a 14-day Yangtze River Culture Summer Camp in Tianmen, Hubei Province, providing local culture education for kindergarten and lower-grade primary school students. Through immersive activities such as drawing Yangtze River maps, recreating Shijiahe cultural artifacts with clay, performing environmental protection plays, and creating Tianmen’s traditional Yugu folk songs, the program allowed children to experience local civilization firsthand and learn about Shijiahe culture, Yangtze River conservation, and efforts to protect finless porpoises.
At the end of the camp, one child told her, “Sister, I want to see the real coiled jade phoenix someday.” Zhang was deeply moved. “I realized that even our smallest efforts can truly plant seeds of curiosity and love in children’s hearts,” she said.
Beyond cultural outreach, Zhang has continued to take action in environmental conservation by participating in riverbank clean-up volunteer activities at the Qingshan Riverside Park.
She explained that Qingshan Riverside Park, developed based on the principles of sponge city design, integrates urban development, river management, and embankment construction. The project has not only received the Tien-yow Jeme Civil Engineering Prize but has also transformed the riverside environment.
The clean and beautiful riverside has become a popular space for public recreation, allowing her to truly appreciate the meaning behind the idea that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” For Zhang, environmental improvement ultimately benefits people’s quality of life and contributes to public well-being.
Her journey in protecting the Yangtze River has also brought profound personal growth. Zhang successfully qualified for a combined master’s and doctoral program, published multiple academic papers, and became deeply involved in her advisor’s key research projects.Through her practical work, a report she helped prepare received positive recognition from relevant authorities, strengthening both her academic abilities and her capacity for social engagement.
“Yangtze River conservation has never been a grand slogan—it is something everyone can contribute to through actions in everyday life. Every small effort brings new vitality to our Mother River. I want to keep doing this for the future,” she said with determination
Weng Qianfei: Where Passion Meets Craft
With designer’s tools in hand, she explores traditional jewelry craftsmanship, embraces new media to share her creative ideas, and uses her expertise to bridge gaps within the industry. Driven by passion, she has embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey. She is Weng Qianfei, a student entered CUG's Gemmological Institute in 2023 to study Product Design with a focus on jewelry..
“I feel very fortunate to have chosen this major,” Weng said. Through her daily studies and hands-on practice, she has become deeply fascinated by the unique charm of the jewelry industry.
In the classroom, she devotes herself to studying the intricate techniques of traditional crafts such as filigree and enamelwork. During practical training, she immerses herself in the focused process of gemstone polishing and jewelry soldering, discovering the vitality of traditional intangible cultural heritage through repeated hands-on practice.
This genuine passion has strengthened her determination to pursue a career in jewelry design. During her junior year, Weng officially launched her entrepreneurial project, “Wengbudao Jewelry.”
Explaining the meaning behind the brand name, she said:“I hope to share the beauty of jewelry with customers. The name ‘Wengbudao,’ which means ‘never falling,’ represents the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges on the journey of entrepreneurship.”
Her previous experience as a jewelry livestream host for one and a half years helped her develop practical skills in content creation, product marketing, and brand promotion. It also reinforced her belief that only through hands-on effort and continuous dedication can one build a lasting foundation in entrepreneurship.
Weng Qianfei
Leveraging CUG’s strengths in this profession, Weng has developed a distinctive entrepreneurial approach that combines expertise with new media. She uses content creation as a way to build her business and knowledge sharing as a means of innovation, challenging the traditional jewelry industry’s reliance on heavy investment models and standardized products.
She has carefully defined her content strategy and developed three major categories of high-quality content. The first focuses on jewelry education, providing detailed guidance on identifying authentic pieces and selecting jewelry with good value. The second follows industry trends by creating concise and engaging videos that make jewelry-related knowledge more accessible. The third consists of distinctive niche vlogs that document the daily lives and design processes of jewelry students, helping audiences better understand an industry that is often perceived as distant or mysterious. Through these efforts, she has built an authentic and trustworthy connection with her audience.
Challenges such as finding new topics, fluctuations in online engagement, and balancing academic studies with entrepreneurship have often brought pressure. Yet she has never given up easily. Through continuous refinement and improvement, she has enhanced the quality of her content while gradually building a loyal audience and a positive reputation.
Weng Qianfei at work on a jewelry design project
The Gemmological Institute’s practical teaching philosophy, which closely connects with market demands and industry developments, has provided strong support for her entrepreneurial journey.
“Many design courses are closely connected with the market and reflect the latest industry trends, allowing me to apply what I learn in class directly to my entrepreneurial practice. My studies and my business have complemented each other very well.”
Drawing on her professional background, Weng has developed a distinctive design style that integrates the refinement of fine jewelry with the wearability of everyday pieces. Her designs balance material value with contemporary youth aesthetics, while also incorporating her artistic training to explore fashionable beadwork and jewelry combinations.
With the support of CUG’s resources and her firsthand market experience, she has established connections with reliable material suppliers and developed a complete pathway covering design, operation, and sales. Through this process, she has successfully transformed her professional strengths into competitive advantages in the marketplace.
Looking ahead, Weng remains committed to her original aspiration. She plans to continue exploring jewelry design and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, refine her original creations, and strengthening her brand. Her goal is to build an emerging jewelry brand that combines aesthetics, quality, and value, while sharing the beauty of jewelry and the power of professional craftsmanship. With youthful creativity and dedication, she continues to pursue new horizons in entrepreneurship.
Zheng Shihan: Discovering a Better Self Through the Pursuit of Mathematics
“The true meaning of competition has never been about surpassing others, but about discovering a stronger and deeper version of yourself.” On April 19, the final round of the 17th China Mathematics Competition for College Students came to an end. Zheng Shihan, a student majoring in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from the School of Mathematics and Physics, stood out with her solid foundation and persistent dedication, winning first prize. When she learned of her achievement, she felt a deep sense of fulfillment—the quiet satisfaction that comes when years of hard work finally bear fruit.
Zheng Shihan
The China Mathematics Competition for College Students is one of China’s most prestigious academic competitions, requiring participants to demonstrate strong abilities in integrating knowledge and applying logical reasoning. During her preparation, Zheng encountered a difficult period: her accuracy declined, her problem-solving approaches became less flexible, and frustration once made her consider giving up. However, she quickly regained focus, returned to fundamental concepts in textbooks, and rebuilt her confidence through patient and intensive study.
Through years of study, Zheng developed her own unique “reflective learning method.” Instead of simply understanding the final answer to a problem, she focuses on breaking down the underlying logic, identifying the core principles behind each concept, and organizing similar problems into broader categories. She has built a systematic “knowledge tree” based on fundamental theorems, allowing her to develop multiple approaches to solving complex problems.
In her view, effective mathematics learning is never about mechanically solving endless problems. Instead, it requires reflection, analysis, and continuous improvement through deeper exploration.
“If every attempt helps you understand the structure of a problem more clearly, then persistence through challenges becomes an essential part of deep learning.” She once spent three consecutive days working on a single problem, gradually approaching the key solution through repeated attempts and careful analysis. This process helped her develop strong problem-solving skills.
In the final competition, one comprehensive problem combining advanced algebra and analytic geometry posed a significant challenge, testing both interdisciplinary knowledge integration and depth of mathematical thinking. Relying on the well-structured knowledge system she had developed over time, Zheng skillfully applied less commonly used theorems and analyzed multiple layers of concepts, successfully solving the problem and demonstrating her strong academic foundation.
Zheng Shihan (third from right) at the award ceremony
Zheng has also faced challenges throughout her academic journey. The abstract and demanding course of real analysis once proved particularly difficult for her and even led her to question herself.
Yet she chose to confront the challenge directly. By repeatedly studying textbooks, organizing notes, and seeking guidance from teachers, she gradually overcame each difficulty. Through this process, she not only mastered one of the most challenging courses in her major but also gained a deeper understanding of the fundamental patterns hidden beneath the abstract nature of mathematics, transforming the way she thinks about her field.
A strong academic atmosphere and CUG’s comprehensive competition training system have supported Zheng’s growth. Structured training courses, regular practice sessions, and a rigorous learning environment have allowed her to focus wholeheartedly on developing her expertise.
Through her continuous exploration and study, Zheng has increasingly come to appreciate the unique beauty of mathematics—the ability to discover fundamental truths through abstraction.
The abilities she has developed through mathematics enable her to quickly identify the essence of new knowledge. They have also shaped her habit of approaching problems in daily life with rational thinking, while cultivating a calm mindset and clear logical reasoning.
When speaking about talent and effort, Zheng has a clear understanding:“Diligence sets your floor; talent sets your ceiling..”
She believes that the pursuit of mathematics is endless. In the future, she will continue to deepen her studies and move forward steadily, constantly challenging herself and growing through the journey of exploration.
Youth takes many forms, but the drive to strive is universal. Different paths can all lead to moments of achievement and fulfillment. At CUG, every passion finds a home and every commitment finds support. Young people today stand on an expansive stage of life. With passion in their hearts, dedication in their actions, and persistence in their pursuits, each can each shine in their own way and write their own remarkable chapter.
