He's obsessed with solving problems. He built a WeChat public account and a mini program that facilitated communication and shared internship experience, thus becoming a public figure of SUSTech.

With a "work hard, play hard" spirit, he has been recommended to SUSTech's Graduate School directly. He is Song Libo, one of SUSTech’s Top 10 Summa Cum Laude Graduates of 2018.

 Combine Academic Knowledge with Practice

Though a lover of environmental science, Song Libo spent his entire first year in biology and mastered many laboratory work skills. However, when he stepped into the classroom of an environmental science course, he found out environmental science is what he really loves. Like many others on SUSTech, he chose to follow his heart and changed his research focus.

"Among SUSTech students, I may be the one who likes to browse through the university's official website the most. I visit the university and departmental websites at least four times a day so that I can find a newly hired professor as soon as possible." Song Libo's observant habit led him to his academic advisor Hu Qing, and they share a lot of common personality traits.

Because of Song and Hu's high compatibility, they have participated in major national and municipal water projects. One of the pollutant visualization models they co-created is already in use.

Standing at the crossroads of life upon graduation, Song Libo chose to stay at SUSTech to continue his studies. When asked about the reason, he said: "I like engineering projects, because they allow you to combine theory with practice and solve problems as fast as possible. By being recommended to SUSTech Graduate School, I can continue doing major national water projects with my advisor. You can't be guaranteed the opportunity of such major projects in other graduate schools."

Growing Up with Practice and Richer Experience

Through interning at IT companies for two summers and spending his junior year at the SUSTech Center of Engineering and Technology Innovation (Beijing), Song Libo has learned about mutual assistance, mutual learning, knowledge sharing and challenging oneself.

Once a colleague asked if Song knew about Android development, and he honestly answered "no." The colleague managed to use the MIT visualization development software to learn it himself and taught it to Song. Song later mastered an advanced way of developing WeChat mini-programs and taught the colleague to return the favor. Later, he passed on the spirit back to campus by helping fellow students with their questions in internships.

Song also has other things to say about his internship experience: “Internships are all about pushing yourself to learn something beyond your reach. If you succeed in doing it, you will progress quickly. I remember a freshman asking me what significant activities she could engage in since she missed the deadline for an overseas exchange program. I responded to her by saying 'internship.' She worried that doing an internship in freshman year was too early, but I persuaded her otherwise, saying that 'you cannot simply push back the inevitable.' She has to gain necessary job skills anyways, and she has the free time now. It's better to start gaining internship experience as soon as possible."

 Offering Constructive Criticism of SUSTech

Because of Song Libo's true love for SUSTech, he never hesitates to point out the problems on campus. But at the same time, Song spares no effort in promoting the good side of SUSTech.

 "Many people like to criticize the university, but that's not enough. We need good solutions. SUSTech is a new university, and I believe constructive criticism and sincere suggestion will make it a better place for everyone." In his opinion, his biggest achievement in campus affairs is persuading university authorities to add one more shuttle bus. As many SUSTechers know, Lychee Hills is a relatively remote area on campus. Many students who live there found the late afternoon bus schedule forced them to choose between dinner and making class on time. After multiple on-campus observations, Song Libo wrote a detailed letter to the administration, describing the problem to the university and suggested that an extra shuttle bus could be deployed at 6:40 p.m. The university accepted his suggestion and many students' daily problems were solved.

 Song Libo also helped initiate collaborations between SUSTech and Cranfield University. With his effective coordination work between SUSTech's Global Engagement Office and Cranfield University, the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering has established academic exchange programs with Cranfield.

 Helping Peers by Starting WeChat Public Account

To share his experience about internships, major declarations, overseas exchange programs, and choices after graduation, Song Libo opened a WeChat public account and received widespread acclaim. His follow-up effort is a WeChat mini program aiming to help new staff at SUSTech.

"Ever since I developed these two WeChat gadgets, my message inbox is always full. But I'm truly happy that people really care about what I do. I hope SUSTechers can find answers to their questions on my platforms, and I also expect the university to improve itself when seeing the questions and problems listed there."

When asked about Song Libo, Professor Deng Weiwei said: "Song truly cared about SUSTech and SUSTechers. He regards himself as a master of the SUSTech family. He's practical and idealistic at the same time. He likes to think, analyze, share, act, assume responsibility, and pass on all his positive energy onto others. I am also truly inspired by him in a way."

Lv Zhong said the following about Song Libo: “Your first impression of him may be his unique voice and smile. But what's really amazing about him is his positive spirit and willingness to share knowledge. He can see things from a bigger picture, and he acts in a very mature way. He is truly a confident human being."

Original Chinese Article by Zhou Xinyi (Student News Agency)

English Translation by Fan Yining

Proofreading by Chris Edwards