Those luminous figures of our time are no different from the sun, moon, and stars that accompany us. Just as starlight only becomes visible when night falls, we only become aware of their presence at specific moments. As we turn the pages of this era, we clearly see the annotations left by their flickering starlight. Yet these brilliant celestial bodies are not beyond reach; the ripples stirred by their gravitational pull will guide us toward a brighter future.

In the fall of 2021, my class had the privilege of visiting Prof. Fang Yu's laboratory. Upon first meeting him, I was immediately struck by his warm and benevolent demeanor, reminiscent of a caring elder. The sight that greeted me was equally profound: the laboratory corridor walls were densely covered with academic papers, invention patents, and letters of appreciation. He recounted with pride the development journey of his explosive detector, a project he had dedicated over two decades to perfecting. Prof. Fang's tenacious spirit deeply moved me. I found myself eager to learn more about him and draw closer to this remarkable mentor.

Later, I heard more about Prof. Fang's story, that during his studies in Europe in the last century, his heart remained devoted to the advancement of science in his homeland. After completing his postdoctoral research, he declined offers from a foreign research institution and returned to the campus of Shaanxi Normal University, located in the ancient lands of the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Since his return, Prof. Fang Yu has dedicated decades to spearheading the development of explosives, film-based fluorescent sensors, and detection equipment. He has delved into the research of gel propellants and high-energy-density materials, making significant contributions to solving critical bottleneck technologies without seeking personal gain. As I came to understand him more deeply, his image in my mind gradually became clearer. Shortly thereafter, Prof. Fang Yu was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Over forty years of teaching and scholarly pursuit, coupled with tens of thousands of hours of dedicated research, earned him recognition within the academic community. How proud I am that my school has produced the university's first academician who began his career here! How fortunate I am to have had that first encounter with him.

Prof. Fang often says that academic disciplines possess an extraordinary power to shape individuals. Chemistry can cultivate a thorough and meticulous way of thinking, the courage to explore without fear of failure, and a broad and unique perspective. Throughout my studies in chemistry, I have continually reflected on what my chosen discipline has imparted to me. In essence, the journey of exploring the chemical world embodies a cognitive sequence progressing from simplicity to complexity, from rudimentary to advanced understanding. It also reflects the cognitive process of “identifying problems > synthesizing insights > experimental verification > refinement and correction > application and advancement.”

As my studies and reflections deepened, I discovered that chemistry is actually filled with many ambiguous and seemingly contradictory facts - such as the absence of absolute acids and alkali, and the lack of a unified theory capable of explaining the structure of all substances... The mindset constantly forming in my mind made me realize: the methodology of problem-solving in chemistry has given me a clear understanding that the challenges in the material world are not like multiple-choice questions on an exam with only one correct answer. Instead, they resemble real-life problems in everyday life - there are no purely qualitative judgments, nor is there a single, definitive solution path. This is the most valuable treasure chemistry has bestowed upon me.

Whether exploring the world of chemistry or navigating the real world, one must never be confined by binary oppositions - seeing only right and wrong, good and evil. Instead, we must examine every objective fact, devise every response, and grasp every lesson through multifaceted perspectives. As I continue to grow, I have learned to embrace complexity and tell the future, “Fear not”. I believe that by embracing the “science of change and the way of moderation”, I will navigate the intricate tapestry of the world with greater composure and confidence. Fearless on the path ahead, I shall conquer the turbulent waves.

Prof. Fang once said that teachers should treat students like children, putting themselves in students’ shoes more often, and impose fewer strict demands and give them more space to develop freely, but this shouldn't devolve into neglectful indulgence. Through my interactions with Prof. Fang, I truly came to understand the meaning behind his words. As a member of the Outstanding Teacher Experimental Class, I was fortunate to join Prof. Fang's lab working on applications of lightweight high-strength materials, and had the opportunity to report my experimental work and project progress to him. I recall one time when he told other faculty members in the lab, “Undergraduate matters are important; we must value our communication with them”. Prof. Fang never labeled us “Gen-Z” undergraduates, believing young people represent creativity and the hope for the future. Even having achieved great success and reached lofty platforms, he genuinely treats every student as an equal. Prof. Fang's teachings are simple yet profound. His approachable nature, patient guidance, and fatherly care sparked countless moments of reflection, deepening my understanding of what it means to be an outstanding educator.

The term “excellence” embodies the aspiration for educators to be “exceptional and surpassing themselves”, yet it cannot be measured solely by quantifiable criteria such as “solid academic knowledge” or “high-efficiency classroom instruction”. In my view, an outstanding teacher must first possess a compassionate heart willing to dedicate themselves, a patriotic passion for education, and unwavering ideals. They should embrace the lifelong goal of nurturing students who spread their talents far and wide, committing to serve the nation through steadfast devotion to education while genuinely empathizing with students' urgent needs and concerns. Frankly speaking, every parent desires their child to achieve greatness, and every individual's success relies on the guidance and support of teachers throughout their formative years. If a teacher merely recites from textbooks day in and day out solely for a paycheck, they will find their work tedious and a waste of time. For students, such an approach stifles growth and jeopardizes their future.

Today, I have fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher. Yet I know full well that as a newcomer to the podium, I still have a long way to go before reaching the level of an outstanding teacher. I still recall being one of those carefree, playful youths on campus. Yet today, those once-perplexing problems have become familiar examples I can effortlessly draw upon. Education must never be rushed for quick results. This demands that I, as a teacher, approach my vocation with the utmost sense of responsibility. I must swiftly transform my youthful inexperience and naivety into a profound sense of duty and mission, confronting the various challenges in both learning and work with a more mature and steadfast demeanor.

Reflecting on the teachers I encountered throughout my academic journey - from Prof. Zhang Zhujun’s conviction that “students’ matters are more important than anything else”, to Prof. Fang Yu's belief that “education is a sacred vocation”, to my senior classmate Zhang Shasha’s aspiration to “become a teacher like my own mentor” - I see a lineage of admirable educators whose legacy continues. They vividly embody the spirit of Shaanxi Normal University’s “Two Generations of Exemplary Teachers in the West”, symbolized by the “Western Red Candle”. I too will remain steadfast on the front lines of education, continuously honing my professional expertise and teaching skills. Following the example my teachers set for me, I will carry love and courage into my work. I will let the spirit of youth leap into the sea of humanity and shine brightly, empowering the next generation to find the courage to spread their wings of dreams. From the ordinary yet extraordinary lectern, I will nurture countless students.

(The author is a Class 2024 graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. This article was published in the Shaanxi Normal University News on September 15, 2025, Page 4.)