As China marks its 77th founding anniversary on Oct 1, a student named after the holiday has shown unwavering dedication to giving back to his country, truly living up to his name, Guoqing, which means "national celebration".
Guoqing is a popular name for babies born on October 1, China's official National Day. For Fu Guoqing, a student at the School of Electrical Automation and Information Engineering at Tianjin University in north China, the name reflects his family's hope that he would contribute to the well-being of the Chinese people.
"My name is Fu Guoqing. I was born in a small town in Inner Mongolia on China's National Day 21 years ago. But my name signifies more than just the day I was born. It holds my mother's and father's simplest, heartfelt wish that one day I will give back to my country and society. That means from the very beginning, my life has been gently bound to this land," he said.
As a student, Fu is hard-working, sharpening his skills in the lab and putting them to the test in competitions and innovation projects. But he does not limit his energy to the campus. Fu has spent over 300 hours volunteering in charitable projects. He has taught in remote schools, sharing with rural children about the value of hard work. He has also donated books and brought scientific knowledge to his own community.
When Fu has a moment for fun, he can be found on the basketball court. Through sports, he is able to make friends in the most genuine and open-hearted way he knows.
Fu's name, a gift tied to China's National Day, has quietly shaped the person he's become.
"The National Day has always held a special place in my heart. When I was little, I was my school's flag-raiser. I still remember how I practiced every move over and over again. When the flag rose slowly into the sky, that special feeling would stay with me. It taught me to cherish every day and to carry kindness and love with me always," he said.
Undergraduate named after China's National Day vows to give back to society through hard work
