Today marks the 39th Teachers' Day in China. The teachers at Xi'an Eurasia University come from all over the world. Some of them focus on teaching in classrooms, some pay more attention to practice, some concentrate on scientific research, and some offer guidance on both study and life... They are all dedicated to paving the way for their students to a bigger world and a better future in their own ways. Today, we have invited teachers from different positions and fields, who have taught at Xi'an Eurasia University for 2 years, 4 years, 5 years, and 10 years respectively, to talk about their experiences as teachers at the university.

Muhammad Sohaib joined Xi'an Eurasia University in 2021 and is now celebrating his third Teachers' Day here. Originally from Pakistan, he has got used to working at Xi'an Eurasia University, where he has met many lovely students and realized his educational ideals. His love for Xi'an Eurasia University has been growing.

(Fig. 1) Sohaib and His Students

"I like Xi'an very much. This city boasts rich historical and cultural heritage, such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors, and ancient city walls, as well as diverse cuisine and emerging technology industries. I am deeply attracted by its vibrant urban culture and booming economic opportunities," Sohaib said. He has chosen to work at Xi'an Eurasia University because the university's diverse and inclusive cultural atmosphere is in line with his own educational philosophy: "As the Chinese saying goes, it is important to appreciate the beauty of each culture and seek common prosperity. University education should be inclusive. I yearn to contribute to the growth and development of students and fulfill my own personal value."

"Xi'an Eurasia University is like a big warm family to me." Sohaib quickly adapted to the environment after he came here. He actively participates in faculty meetings, collaborates with colleagues on course design, and frequently organizes academic consultations to interact with students and discuss issues with them. Sohaib has always been very serious about teaching, adhering to Xi'an Eurasia University's teaching philosophy of "Being International, Valuing Application and Offering New Experiences".

"I encourage students to develop critical thinking skills. They should not just listen to what I teach them but should also have their own thoughts and judgments. This is crucial and will benefit them for a lifetime. I use various digital technologies available at Xi'an Eurasia University to provide students with diverse learning experiences, in a bid to improve their interest and efficiency in learning. Moreover, in order to help students integrate the knowledge they acquire with practicalities, I incorporate real-time business case studies into classroom teaching to offer them forward-looking and realistic education."

(Fig. 2) Sohaib in Class

While striving to provide students with high-quality learning experiences, Sohaib finds that the active engagement of students is crucial in making his classes more interesting. Often gathering with young students, Sohaib feels as if he has returned to his own campus days. "I sincerely appreciate each of my students. Their positive and enterprising attitude towards learning sparks different ideas in every class and inspires me to come up with new educational approaches."

Besides classroom teaching, Sohaib also hopes to make progress in his research.

Currently, his research focuses on social media marketing, consumer behaviors, brand assets, value co-creation, and impulsive buying behaviors. He has published 14 research papers, some of which appeared in top-tier SSCI/SCI journals and EI journals. Recently, as the first author, he published two research papers in the top SSCI journals of Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and International Journal of Hospitality Management — one was titled Value Co-creation through Social Media Marketing, Brand Trust, and Brand Loyalty, with an impact factor of 10.4, and the other was titled Nature-based Solutions, Mental Health, Well-being, Price Fairness, Attitude, Loyalty, and Green Brand Communication in Hotel Environment, with an impact factor of 11.7.

Outside of work, Sohaib leads a colorful life. In his spare time, he often plays badminton with colleagues or watches historical and scientific documentaries to broaden his horizons and gain knowledge in various disciplines.

(Fig. 3) Sohaib Interacts with Students in Class

Over the past two years, Sohaib has witnessed rapid changes on the campus, including enriched educational resources, improved teaching facilities, and expanded campus environments. These changes have made him confident in Xi'an Eurasia University's future development. "The efforts Xi'an Eurasia University has made in campus improvement and cultural development reflect its ability to maintain growth and adapt to social progress. It means the university is committed to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for students and teachers." Sohaib looks forward to continuing working with the university for a better future.

In the future, Sohaib plans to enhance his research capabilities while maintaining excellent teaching quality, so as to promote academic innovation and leave a positive and lasting impact on his students.

Addressing the incoming students of 2023, Sohaib said: "Education is not just about acquiring knowledge. It is also the best way to achieve personal growth. Always stay curious and seek support without hesitation when needed. Every moment you spend at Xi'an Eurasia University will be meaningful."

If the undergraduate stage was like planting a seed of knowledge and dreams, for Wang Ying, the practical project experience in the graduate stage nurtured this seed, helping her understand what she wanted to become and which direction to pursue.

When Wang Ying studies abroad as a graduate student, she participated in numerous practice projects every semester and through "learning by doing", she had a clear perception of what design truly means and how her major connects with the real world. This has had big impacts on her future development:

"When working on projects, we learn how to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and understand the real requirements of companies and society towards design students. Mature designers should know how to adjust their ideas and capabilities according to practical needs. This is why I want more students to engage in practice projects during their undergraduate studies." In 2019, Wang Ying joined the EAaD School of Xi'an Eurasia University as a teacher and started promoting the integration of practice projects and classroom teaching.

"In addition to teaching and educating students, universities should also shoulder social responsibilities." In view of China's modernization process, Wang Ying has regarded "urban renewal" and "rural revitalization" as the two major topics of practice projects in the EAaD School. This approach enhances the practical abilities of teachers and students and facilitates regional development, reflecting the responsibilities and commitments of university teachers.

(Fig. 4) Villagers Are Grateful to Wang Ying and Her Team

"We encountered many difficulties at first. On one hand, teachers faced pressure to shift from teaching-oriented to application-oriented education. On the other hand, both teachers and students had to confront the pressure of facing complex problems outside the campus. Team coordination was one of the biggest difficulties." Reflecting on the first practice project she led, Wang Ying became quite emotional. "As the project gradually got on track, the participating teachers and students and myself achieved personal growth, addressed some shortcomings, and gained professional confidence."

In 2019, the first project led by Wang Ying, the Zhaozhuang Village/Nanjiang Village Renovation Project, was successfully delivered and was highly praised by the local government and villagers, which greatly boosted the morale of Wang Ying's team. Because of this, more and more teachers and students of the EAaD School have participated in practice projects with active and professional attitudes. Many governments and companies, including the governments of Baqiao District, Weiyang District, Xincheng District, and Yanliang District, as well as L&A Group and Qujiang Construction Group, have offered support to the EAaD School, building a good ecosystem for government-university-industry cooperation. "This summer, Nanjiang Village was relocated and hoped to transform itself into a new demonstration village for tourism. Once again, the local village committee approached us for cooperation. This project showcased our commitment to 'sustainable development' through social services," Wang Ying said joyfully.

The team led by Wang Ying carried out a rural landscape transformation and environmental governance project in Zhaozhuang Village, receiving honors in the evaluation of "Top Chinese Villages in Cleanliness" and gaining praise and recognition from "National Rural Living Environment", the official WeChat account of Farmers' Daily.

So far, Wang Ying has led or participated in more than 20 practice projects, and the EAaD School has developed an educational model that "integrates practice projects into 100% of classes". The school integrates practice projects into its four major educational segments, namely classroom teaching, design weeks, graduation projects, and student internships, based on the scale and complexity of the projects, allowing students to engage in real projects throughout the year and develop their abilities through practical experiences.

In this process, many students have benefited significantly.

Data shows that students who have participated in practice projects demonstrate strong communication and expression skills, and their works are of great practical significance and value. In addition, thanks to the experience gained from "beautiful countryside" projects, some students have succeeded in their postgraduate entrance examinations, while many others have received offers from well-known design firms or institutes in China or even started their own businesses after graduation. What touches Wang Ying the most is that students have gained confidence and felt the joy and happiness of learning:

"A student who had worked on many projects with me told me that through the projects, he could feel his efforts and dedication were recognized by others. If possible, he would like to stay at Xi'an Eurasia University forever and keep on learning. Now he finally understands why some people say that learning is the happiest thing."

(Fig. 5) Wang Ying Offers Guidance on Students' Works

Looking back on her four-year experience of practical teaching at Xi'an Eurasia University, Wang Ying feels that the university is like a reservoir constantly meeting her various educational and practical needs.

From the president to the dean, from faculty and student teams to university departments, everyone collaborates and works towards the same goal. "Xi'an Eurasia University has provided strong support for me to resolve all the difficulties and setbacks I encounter. My achievements do not just belong to me alone but to every teacher and student who participated and every organization and team that supported me," said Wang Ying. In the future, she will carry out more multidimensional practice projects based on Xi'an Eurasia University's "application-oriented" educational philosophy and the EAaD School's call for "serving national development strategies and social development needs with practical applications in professional education", contributing to the growth of students, the development of the school, and the advancement of society.

In August 2018, just one year after graduation, Wu Tong joined Xi'an Eurasia University with a longing and passion for the profession of teaching. This was her first job. Now she is celebrating her sixth Teacher's Day at Eurasia.

As a counselor in the Queens' Land Youth Community of Xi'an Eurasia University, she supervises the academic and personal development of 392 students.

"In fact, the work of a counselor is not always fixed. Apart from daily administrative work, counselors also do a lot of work in student dormitories. Education outside the classroom is very important. Through interactions and communication with students, I often discover various issues concerning friendships, personal growth, academic pressure, and anxiety," Wu Tong explained. She takes every student's problem seriously: "I try to understand students' situation from different angles and find the underlying cause of their problems. Then, I seek to break down the problems by adopting collaborative solutions involving parents and the school or providing psychological counseling. I offer as much assistance, guidance, and encouragement as I can to my students."

(Fig. 6) Wu Tong Organizes the 2023 Counselor-Student Meeting

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Wu Tong served not only as a caring counselor but also as the secretary of the Communist Youth League Committee of the Queens' Land Youth Community, responsible for guiding the development of student organizations in the community and the day-to-day management of league members and ensuring the health and safety of students.

"It was important for counselors to provide positive spiritual guidance to students during such a critical period, including organizing nucleic acid tests, distributing supplies, writing articles published on our official WeChat account, and holding activities suitable for the pandemic situation. By doing so, we helped our students relieve a lot of stress," Wu Tong recalled. At that time, she and other counselors stayed on campus for 47 days, taking part in everything from early pandemic prevention preparations to ensuring the safe return of every student after the lockdown was lifted. When being asked if she felt exhausted, Wu Tong responded: "Our university provided the best accommodations for all front-line counselors and staff, letting us rest in the EU Hotel. The leaders of the university, meanwhile, slept in makeshift beds in their own offices or teaching buildings." It was a tough time, but it made her realize the importance of the teaching profession.

Throughout her five-year career, Wu Tong has had many unforgettable moments.

She vividly remembers a scene during a class meeting when a student expressed his feelings about the learning experience at Xi'an Eurasia University: "The student had a determined look in his eyes and said that he would try to make his dreams take root and sprout here." These simple words deeply touched Wu Tong and made her even more aware of the responsibility of safeguarding the health and positive growth of every student.

(Fig. 7) Wu Tong Attends the Commendation Ceremony of the Drucker Youth Community

In Wu Tong's eyes, the relationship between students and teachers is mutually fulfilling: "Teachers are providers or participants of student education. Teachers and students can learn, grow, and make progress together, while accompanying each other." It is this warm and harmonious relationship that has brought her a special new colleague this year — a male student from her first class have joined the university as a counselor after graduation. "It is like the butterfly effect, where a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tsunami. The student had a lot of joyful and touching moments during his four-year study at Xi'an Eurasia University and that's why he chose to come back to the university. Good education can leave a lasting impact."

Wu Tong graduated five years ago. Over the years, she has seen a reflection of her younger self in every student. These students constantly remind her to stay true to her original aspirations and keep pursuing dreams. When being asked about her future plans, Wu Tong said: "The future? What is the future? Doing well in the present is the best future."

Among many professions, the role of a teacher fascinates Shen Yachen the most. "Compared to those in other professions, teachers need to maintain a state of input and output. Continuous learning, exploration, and transformation brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment." With a strong passion for knowledge and a longing for education, Shen Yachen joined Xi'an Eurasia University. This year marks her tenth Teacher's Day celebration at the university.

In July 2012, Shen Yachen graduated from ESSEC and deeply realized the benefits of international education.

At Xi'an Eurasia University, Shen Yachen is not only a teacher but also the leader of the international programs of the School of Finance (currently known as the School of Finance and Data Science). In addition to providing professional guidance on overseas study for students on a daily basis, she has also been leading students on study tours since 2016. Study tours to renowned universities and leading companies have increased students' passion for academic and career life and motivated them to study harder to realize great academic and personal achievements. Those students are still very grateful to Shen Yachen today. "As a teacher, I will try my best to broaden students' vision and help them achieve remarkable success." she said.

(Fig. 8) Shen Yachen Led Students to Visit the AXA Group in Hong Kong in 2016

Over the years, Shen Yachen has gradually improved her teaching skills. Facing the ever-changing financial world and the rise of high-quality online courses like MOOCs, she has sought to deliver better, more up-to-date, and more practical knowledge to her students. "I turned my attention to research. Through research, I can come into contact with many high-quality and cutting-edge papers, and study the latest theories, technologies, issues, and innovations in the financial industry. This not only enriches myself but also greatly benefits my teaching." With a strong desire for exploration and an educational mission, she has embarked on the path of research.

Research is not an easy journey, but to Shen Yachen, starting from scratch is not as daunting as it may seem.

"I still remember the disappointment and frustration when my first application for a university-level research project was rejected." As a research novice, she encountered setbacks in her initial attempts. However, the support and encouragement from the research secretary and research team of the School of Finance and Data Science, as well as Xi'an Eurasia University's Office of Academic Research and researcher training system helped her regain confidence. After the initial failure, Shen Yachen gradually learned the proper ways of applying for research projects and conducting research effectively with the help of her colleagues, which laid a solid foundation for her later research progress.

All the perseverance and teamwork eventually led to fruitful outcomes.

Through long-term research and exploration, Shen Yachen has realized that she should adhere to the principle of "conducting practical research to improve teaching". Based on her own teaching needs and the development strategies of the School of Finance and Data Science, she has delved into the fields of "digital economy" and "international accreditation for business education" and carried out in-depth research. So far, Shen Yachen has led 8 provincial and ministerial-level research projects and 3 university-level projects, participated in more than 10 other projects, and published over 10 papers, including 3 papers published in top journals and 2 papers delivered in EI conferences. She has also edited 1 textbook and received multiple awards, such as the Second Prize of the Outstanding Humanities and Social Sciences Research Achievement Award for Higher Education Institutions in Shaanxi Province and the Second Prize of the 15th Outstanding Philosophy and Social Sciences Achievement Award in Shaanxi Province.

All her research achievements have been applied to her classroom teaching and the educational reform of the School of Finance and Data Science, leading to increases in students' enthusiasm for learning and the quality of teaching and international education of the school.

(Fig. 9) Shen Yachen at Work

"Teaching without research is superficial, and research without teaching is impractical." Shen Yachen has borne this quote in mind ever since she came across it by chance. As her research results find application and produce positive effects continuously, she feels delighted by the continuous cycle of "input and output". Sincerely, she said: "I hope all teachers can find their joy and sense of accomplishment in research."

In the future, Shen Yachen will continue to rely on the disciplinary strengths of the School of Finance and Data Science and give full play to collective efforts, so as to establish a more efficient, organized, and systematic research team. She aims to pass on the rigorous, persistent, and supportive research spirit of the school, jointly enhance vertical research capabilities and horizontal delivery capabilities, and contribute her own energy to education, teaching, and social development.

The four teachers mentioned above are just the epitome of the thousands of teachers at Xi'an Eurasia University.

Immanuel Kant once said: "Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the more often and steadily we reflect upon them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me." For teachers, the "moral law" represents their commitment to education, their reverence for the profession of teaching, and their respect for knowledge. Xi'an Eurasia University is a "student-centered" university. Its teachers all seek to create a better future for students with their own educational beliefs and methods. They are not only knowledge disseminators but also spiritual guides. Xi'an Eurasia University is where you can see the beauty of education.