To build harmonious, cohesive class groups and lay a solid foundation for future class construction and group counseling, the School of Life Sciences held freshman adaptation group counseling on the campus basketball court on October 29. Zheng Peng, Deputy General Party Branch Secretary, counselors Zhu Muchun and Hong Xiaoran, senior student Zhang Haibo from the Class of 2018, and 120 2021 freshmen took part. The psychological activity aimed to foster a sincere, supportive campus atmosphere, guiding freshmen to understand and accept themselves, regulate emotions, build resilience and embrace study and life with a positive outlook.
The event opened with an icebreaker game Fun Massage Exercise to break the ice. All students formed a circle around Teacher Zhu Muchun, placing one hand on the shoulder and the other on the head of the classmate in front. They circled counterclockwise following catchy chants such as Pat your head, you didn’t wash your hair last night; Pat your head, you’ll be the best this year. Laughter filled the court as awkwardness faded and friendships grew closer.
In the team presentation session, 10 groups brainstormed creative team names, slogans and flags, including Sailor Slackers Riding the Wind, Rising Sun Team and Railway Guerrillas. Each group took turns presenting; captains introduced every member, explained the design concepts behind their team identity and performed creative group poses, winning continuous applause.
The game Hidden Card Flip tested teamwork and memory. Teams needed to flip 13 numbered cards in ascending order within the shortest time. After two rounds, students realized that brute force alone cannot complete tasks; careful planning, communication and strategic thinking are essential for efficient teamwork.
Over the two-hour session, five interactive games transformed shy strangers into communicative collaborators, helping students redefine the bond between individuals and collectives and strengthening cohesion among 2021 freshmen. All participants spoke highly of the activity, stating they made many new friends and felt the warm sense of belonging within the big Life Sciences family.
Author: Hong Xiaoran, First Review: Hong Xiaoran; Second Review: Zheng Peng; Third Review: Li Chong
