To support new students in adapting to university life, exploring the campus environment, and understanding the educational mission of Fu Jen Catholic University, the Chinese Clergy Unit hosted the "Mission College Orientation Event" on September 30. The gathering brought together incoming freshmen from the College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Communication, and College of Arts.
Through relaxed exchanges, group interactions, and hands-on workshops, students from different faculties were able to get to know one another while reflecting on their upcoming university journey in a warm and joyful atmosphere. This year’s event adopted "Salt" as its central theme. Salt may seem small and ordinary, yet it is essential in daily life—just a pinch can transform the flavor of a dish. Similarly, every incoming freshman, though just one individual within a community, possesses unique qualities and intrinsic worth, holding the power to bring meaningful change to those around them through their choices and actions.
Throughout the event, group activities and self-introductions helped students break the ice and bridge initial unfamiliarity, creating connections across different departments. Through sharing and interaction, students practiced not only making themselves known but also actively noticing and appreciating those around them. This was followed by a creative handcrafting session, allowing freshmen to slow down and create a welcoming space for friendship amid the hustle of starting college.
To conclude the event, Fr. Ho Wan-Leung, representative of the Chinese Clergy Unit and Director of the Mission Development Office, encouraged the students with a passage from the Gospel of Matthew: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." (5:13) Drawing on the symbolism of salt, Fr. Ho invited students to reflect on university life as more than just an accumulation of academic knowledge and expertise. It is a journey of self-discovery, finding one's direction, and learning to build genuine connections with others. Salt does not need to be the most visually prominent part of a dish to transform its flavor; likewise, individuals do not need to be the brightest star in a crowd to make a difference. A simple word of care, an act of kindness, or a willingness to lend a helping hand when someone is in need can all become powerful forces of influence.
Through this orientation event, the Chinese Clergy Unit hopes that as new students step into university life, they will not only discover a new campus and build lasting friendships, but also gradually uncover their own unique identity. Throughout their college years ahead, may they preserve their own distinct "flavor" and aspire to be that essential pinch of salt—adding warmth, purpose, and meaningful difference to the world around them.
