Scaling the slopes of success

2010/09/09

FENG, WEN-HSING

The “Hill of Victory” is a daunting stretch of steps that starts near the bustling center of Tamshui, Taipei County, and slopes upward, steeply, to the lush surrounds of the TKU Tamshui campus. Its Chinese name may be more literally translated as “The slope of overcoming obstacles”. This is a dual reference to, firstly, the arduous challenges faced during its initial excavation 57 years ago, and secondly, the persistence it takes to reach the top step.

In recent years, the “Hill of Victory” walk has become somewhat of an annual ritual. Along with the opening ceremony and orientation lectures, it is now a compulsory activity for all new students. During the event, teachers and faculty staff lead freshmen up the 132-step slope, to teach the students a valuable life lesson: the importance of resilience in times of difficulty; and the need to face challenges head on, with a healthy body and courageous heart.

In order to familiarize new students with Tamkang’s surrounds, from as early as mid-August, Tamkang began holding orientation activities for new freshman students, including a student and family symposium, a tour of the school dormitory, as well as freshman faculty camps. Aside from these activities, on the 9th and 10th of September, a Tamkang Clubs and Societies Expo was held at TKU’s Tamshui campus, bringing vibrant energy to the campus’ main street, where clubs and societies set up eye-catching stalls and vied for new members from the ranks of incoming freshman. Equally impressive was the Clubs and Societies Night held on the 15th of September, at which each of Tamkang’s 200 plus clubs and societies put on dazzling performances in the hope of attracting even more club members.

This year is Tamkang University’s 60th anniversary. Therefore, this year more than ever, when the students take to the Hill of Victory, they take with them the most earnest hopes and expectations of the TKU teaching staff: that each and every freshman may enhance their intellect and character, and develop into well-rounded, forward-thinking graduates possessing a macro-level, international world view.

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