This summer, some students have felt the pulse of the times in social practice, some have spread compassion through volunteer services, while others have  dedicated themselves to learning new skills with a sense of urgency, gathering strength for the future. 

Today, let's take a closer look at the summer stories of the little XITers (a nickname for our students).

Touching the Warmth of Classics Through Practice

Hu Jin, Class 2404, Major of Information and Computing Science

This summer, I went into Xiangtan, Hunan, and partnered with the Xiangtan Traditional Culture Inheritance and Development Association to embark on a unique journey of "Red Practice of Disciple Gauge ".

Wandering through the old streets and alleys, we chatted with elderly residents waving their fans about "filial piety and fraternal duty," They shared stories passed down through generations — simple yet profound practices like "Before going out, tell your parents where you are going, as parents are always concerned about their children. After returning home, see your parents and let them know you are back, so they do not worry about you." They explained that nowadays, "filial piety" means paying attention to the elderly's daily needs at home and chatting with them. Entering university campuses, we discussed with young students what "integrity" and "sincerely carry out" mean in the new era. It turned out that classics are no longer static words buried in books but have transformed into the fabric of daily life. 

Inheritance is not simply copying and pasting but involves understanding the core and breathing new life into it within the contemporary context. Instead of confining ancient texts to shelves, we should integrate them into the warmth of daily life, as the teachers said, "The principles in Disciple Gauge  must first permeate daily life before they can truly reside in our hearts."

Measuring the Weight of Affection Through Companionship

Tang Shiya, Class 2301, Major of Robotics Engineering

This summer, spending days and nights by the Tianzi Lake with "Shiguang Xiaopu" (a volunteer project of “Time”), I captured precious moments etched in my heart like slowly developing film in the lake's glow.The core of our "Time" project has always been about conveying companionship and warmth, not just formalities. 

In the "Time Photo Studio," when grandparents received their photos, their rough fingertips gently caressed the frames, and their smiles overflowed with cherished memories.

In the "Time Cinema" on summer nights, with a screen set up by the lakeside, the gentle breeze, twinkling stars, and interplay of light and shadow transformed the grassy field into a warm open-air cinema. 

In the "Time Restaurant," we prepared lunch ourselves and watched them share it around the table; the homemade meal tasted exceptionally delicious because of our heartfelt efforts. 

The most unforgettable moment was taking grandparents on the "Time Travel Tour" – their amazed gazes at the science museum, the joy of catching a doll in the arcade, and their focused side faces under the cinema lights... These "first-time" or "long-lost" experiences lit up the sparkle in their eyes like stars. 

Over several days of companionship, rather than "providing help," it felt more like the elderly were giving some gifts back to us – their simple smiles, sincere thanks, and life stories steeped in history. I have come to understand that the sense of "value" lies in the process of adding warmth to others' lives, pure and fulfilling.

Building a Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity Through the Lens

Peng Yiyi, Class 2301, Major of Network and New Media

When traditional virtues meet the red soil, and ancient wisdom collides with youthful perspectives, we gradually comprehend that it is inheritance that keeps "gentleness, kindness,respectfulness and frugality" vibrant in modern life.

This summer, I followed the team to Shuangfeng County to document the traditional craftsmanship of "Xie Laoguan" chili sauce. On the sunbathing grounds, the experienced worker's bronzed arms flipped the sauce embryos under the scorching sun, and the chili sauce in the pottery jars gleamed with an amber-like luster. His hands, calloused yet deft, moved through each step—from selecting beans to sun-drying—with a reverence for time that embodied the very essence of jiangren: the artisan spirit.

The simple sharing of "glass bottle packaging for health" made me realize that intangible cultural heritage inheritance is never a lofty concept but a steadfast commitment by artisans who engrave "sincerity" into their bones. We were not only amazed by the ancient wisdom but also deeply moved by the artisans' perseverance. 

During the project, we attempted to adapt "Hometown of No Worries" (a rap song) using AI to promote chili sauce culture and live-streamed the sauce-making process to engage new audiences. It became clear to me that true inheritance requires upholding traditions while embracing innovation, allowing traditional crafts to flourish in modern life. 

As the camera swept over the sunlit pottery jars for the last time, I profoundly understood that rural revitalization needs youth – not just as witnesses but as bridge builders, using our skills to construct communication bridges and let artisan stories emerge from the mountains, enabling more people to witness the vitality within tradition.

Cherishing the Warmth in Daily Life with a Sincere Heart

Lu Xiangfei, Class 2301, Major of Law

During this unbearably hot vacation, I followed the "Yunshui Village & XIT Rural Encounter Practice Team” in Yunshui Village, Ailian Subdistrict, Shaoyang, Hunan, and stumbled upon warmth hidden amidst the smoke and laughter throughout the village.

Every day, we trekked 20 minutes under the blazing sun to the subdistrict canteen, where the aunt always cooked us different dishes, her eyes filled with eager anticipation as she asked, “Do you like it?” When we said "It's delicious," her eyes sparkle with a fleeting ripple of delight. The grandmother who washed dishes, juggling multiple roles, always worried we wouldn't eat enough and kept piling food onto our plates, saying, "Eat more; you're still growing!" Her daughters had married and moved away, so she treated us like her own relatives. Before leaving, she took out a small notebook to write down everyone's phone numbers, saying she could chat when she missed us. We hugged, no one wanting to let go first, tears mixing with sweat, creating a unique warmth. 

Behind the village committee, by the shaded path, lived Grandma Yue, a kind-hearted grandma. She always invited us to her home for chilled watermelons to beat the heat and shared stories about her and family, saying, "Times have changed; you'll surely have brighter futures!" When we parted, she held our hands and wished us smooth journey ahead, and we took photos with her, promising to "come again next time." 

This summer, the breeze in Yunshui Village carried the scent of home-cooked meals and the villagers' eyes overflowed with sincerity. Those footsteps under the scorching sun, the caring words at the dinner table, and the warmth of the hugs became the brightest lights in our hearts. We carried away not just memories but also the strength to smile whenever we recalled them – proving that the warmth of humanity can indeed be remembered for a long, long time.

These summer stories are the youthful chapters written by the little XITers in different realms. Whether it's engaging in dialogue with classics, conveying warmth through companionship, striving to preserve traditional crafts, or harvesting genuine emotions in the countryside, every experience shines with the light of growth.

They are like stars in the summer sky, each glows with its own brilliance, yet collectively forming the most captivating image of youth, making this vacation exceptionally meaningful through dedication and responsibility.