Record: First-year student Chen Hongjun
Since its establishment in 2015, the Honors College at National Taiwan Normal University has upheld the spirit of interdisciplinary learning and international exchange. Through residential life, formal dinners with elevated seating, group discussions, and College Day lectures, the College practices its three core features: living together, dining together, and learning together. Among these activities, the Empowerment Camp offers a two-day, one-night outdoor residential camp experience that brings the College’s characteristic events into an outdoor setting. By combining dynamic and reflective activities, the camp strengthens participants’ team cohesion and broadens their perspectives. Mentor Lai Zhijian of Honors College remarked that the Empowerment Camp not only fosters team spirit but also provides an opportunity for students to get to know one another better and truly enjoy the learning experience
The two-day-one-night Empowerment Camp, held on November 28–29 this year at NTNU's Linkou Campus and Sanxia community, featured two themed outdoor experiential learning sessions on the first day. In the morning, a mission-based orienteering activity challenged participants’ problem-solving skills. To retrieve building blocks and foam mats scattered throughout the campus, teamwork was essential. Through the process, residential college students developed their abilities to solve problems, communicate effectively, and delegate tasks based on their strengths. After an hour of collaborative effort, the students successfully recovered all the items. Hsu Jui-Che, a sophomore from the College of Technology (Class of 2022), observed, “Having a clear goal makes it much easier for a team to carry out the task.”
In the afternoon, a tree-climbing challenge was held to encourage college students to step out of their comfort zones. By learning and applying new skills, participants deepened their self-awareness and built confidence.First-year student Tutor Zhang Yuwen overcame his inner fear and happily said, “Once I was up there, it didn’t feel so scary anymore.” During the experience, participants not only put their skills into practice but also engaged in guided reflection afterward using the 4F Puzzle Thinking Method. First-year graduate student Tutor Chen Qinhua from the Mandarin program shared that serving as a support person during the tree-climbing activity helped develop empathy and the ability to see things from others’ perspectives.
On the first evening, Chemistry major and resident student Hei Jingyu from the Class of 2021 led a deep-sharing session among the college students. After the outdoor activities, many participants felt quite exhausted. Hei began by guiding the students through relaxation and focus exercises to help them regain their energy. Next, students paired up and used a structured spiritual interview guide to engage in progressively deeper conversations. They talked about childhood memories and hobbies, their motivations for coming to NTNU and Honors College, and even their future goals and life values. Hei hoped that this standardized spiritual interview format would encourage students to communicate with people outside their usual circles. It also provides an effective and comfortable way for those who don’t know how to start conversations with strangers to engage meaningfully.
This year marks the inaugural year of Taiwan’s “Local Revitalization” initiative. In response, the College specially arranged a local revitalization field trip the following day, visiting the public welfare store established by Ganle Cultural and Creative in the Sanxia community. Facing challenges in skill development for parents re-entering the workforce and local youth, He Naichuan Domestic Soy Products uses 100% domestically sourced non-GMO soybeans and provides a warm, friendly work environment for disadvantaged groups. Meanwhile, Xiaocao Bookhouse and Qingcao Vocational Academy support high-needs children in Sanxia through craft education and river cleanup activities, bringing more courage and hope to the community.
Students followed a local guide through the neighborhood to visit local artisans and learn about the care and support system built by Ganle Cultural and Creative and its community partners. “We want to cultivate the ability for the second-generation residents who stay in the area—often seen as a ‘negative’ generation—to remain and thrive in their hometown,” said Lin Juncheng, CEO of Ganle Cultural and Creative. Born into a family of judo practitioners, Lin chose a career in design and communications. Later, he recognized the challenges facing the Sanxia community and realized how little he truly understood his hometown. Determined, he resigned from his job and returned to Sanxia to translate local culture through publishing Ganle Cultural and Creative magazine. He also began supporting high-needs youth through a dream-fulfillment program. Lin hopes to “help children understand the land beneath their feet while building connections to its history and context.”
“Make good use of your bread—bring out the value of your bread.” Lin Juncheng shared his personal journey, which deeply moved many of the students. One second-year student reflected, “Developing strong problem-solving skills allows us to bravely face the unknown challenges ahead.” He added that as time goes by, no one can predict how much their life may change. Only by maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, continuously learning new knowledge, and developing soft skills, can one truly navigate the uncertainties of an ever-changing society.
Sanxia is rich in local products and diverse in its traditional crafts and culture. Through the presence of artisans in the Hexi Community Hub and the establishment of various workshops, not only are professional skills passed on to at-risk youth in the region, but traditional craftsmanship is also given a chance to be preserved and continued. One example is indigo dyeing, which was a major industry in Sanxia during the Qing Dynasty. Through a hands-on indigo dyeing workshop, students experienced the eco-friendly principles behind plant-based dyes used by their ancestors. During the process, the students demonstrated remarkable creativity—some used dip-dyeing techniques, others experimented with printing. Each creation was unique, reflecting the individual style and imagination of each participant
This year’s Empowerment Camp concluded successfully. From the first day’s outdoor challenges and peer interaction activities to the second day’s Local Revitalization visits and indigo dyeing workshop, participants gained valuable insights and experiences throughout the program. Looking ahead, Honors College students will continue to learn and grow together, striving toward the goal of becoming future leaders who shape the direction of society.
