If a nation can be compared to a large vessel at sea, then the journalists are its watch-keepers who timely report the treacherous shoals and hidden dangers to ensure the safe journey of the vessel.” This celebrated and thought-provocative motto by Joseph Pulitzer gives a most vivid and profound elucidation of the crucial role that journalists can play in contemporary social life. Regarding the role of the watch-keeper, I have my own understanding. The career of being a journalist entails “thinking allowed and thinking aloud.” He or she should, first of all, be an active, sensitive participant of social life and demonstrate independent and critical insights. Apart from such qualities as courage, social conscience, objectivity, enthusiasm and discretion, a journalist must have deep concerns for the destiny of his/her nation and the welfare of its people.
I never cherish any blind faith in the accepted theories and teachings but instead have endeavored to cultivate a skeptical attitude toward what I am exposed to. In my notebooks are recorded not only what my teachers have taught me but also my personal contemplations and critical views. On many important issues I have the habit of discussing with the most learned and inspiring teachers from whom to seek enlightenment and to probe into the essence of the matter through “collisions of ideas”. I have also devoted most of my spare time to studying technical literature in the libraries, to keep myself informed of the latest academic developments and to develop my own academic perspectives from a wealth of information. In taking examinations, I seldom confine myself to what is laid down in the textbooks but instead try to present my own understandings, observations and reflections. It is indeed not easy to be one’s true self but the joy of exercising my own academic initiative and exploring my academic possibilities has given me immense satisfaction.
