Author: Liu Junyang
In the summer of 2019, I came to Peking University and first encountered the PKU-Lincoln Center in Room 508 of the Leo Koguan Building. I still remember that evening: fresh to campus and feeling lost, I had dinner at Yannan Canteen with senior students I barely knew. Nervously tagging along, I watched them chat and laugh as they headed to the venue for group meetings — the Lincoln Center. My first impression of the Center was its spotless offices, packed meeting rooms, and lively, thought-provoking academic debates.
Later, I was fortunate to join the Center as a student research assistant and began my journey here. What benefited me most first and foremost was its rich academic atmosphere. Academic debates between distinguished experts at the Beijing Forum, as well as free, open discussions at various diverse workshops, vastly broadened my horizons, exposed me to cutting-edge global research, and deepened my understanding of real-world social issues.
I also cherish the opportunity to participate in an industrial policy research project hosted by the Center. Conversations with Dr. Liu Zhi, Liu Xiuying and numerous specialists greatly deepened my grasp of China’s industrial policies. All these experiences have become invaluable academic assets to me.
What I treasure and appreciate even more, however, is the warm human touch permeating the Center, which gave me a strong sense of belonging just like home.
I recall my first shift on duty: a tall, big-framed senior greeted me warmly with an easy, outgoing manner that instantly put me at ease. I later learned his surname was Xu, and I called him Brother Xu. Every time I walked through the door, Ms. Jin would greet me warmly, “Junyang, you’re here!” She cared about our studies and daily lives just like a family elder.
Knowledgeable, approachable and talkative, Dr. Liu Zhi often checked in on my research progress. After learning my topic centered on new energy vehicles, he chatted with me extensively about energy transition, industrial policy, transportation infrastructure and related research fields. I am a quiet person by nature, yet every casual conversation with him gifted me abundant valuable knowledge and insights.
Time spent with Wang Zheng, Liu Xiuying, Zhao Min, Sister Wenjing, Sister Jingyi and other faculty and fellow student colleagues was always full of joy. One unforgettable memory is the surprise birthday party everyone prepared for Dr. Liu Zhi. We teammates collaborated to record video tributes and play funny candid photos of him. Smiling, Dr. Liu cooperated fully, putting on a birthday hat for group photos… Despite our varied ages, the atmosphere was unmistakably that of a big loving family. This harmonious environment made every day’s work comfortable and motivating.
In the blink of an eye, the PKU-Lincoln Center turns fifteen. It has been three and a half years since I first walked through its doors, and I have grown from a timid newcomer into one of its long-serving regular members.
Happy 15th birthday to the PKU-Lincoln Center!
Thank you for providing such an outstanding academic platform that let me fully experience the allure of research and knowledge.
Thank you for bringing me so many wonderful mentors and peers, and wrapping me in the warmth of a second home.
Moving forward, I hope to keep pushing myself harder on this platform, striving relentlessly to live up to the cultivation the Center has given me, while continuing to cherish every joyful moment of studying, working and living alongside everyone here.
Figure: A cheerful lunch gathering at the PKU-Lincoln Center (September 29, 2020)
