LIANG GUOXIU/CHINA DAILY

Young members of the CPC express their patriotism and aspirations through rap, research, leadership, and innovation, embodying a dynamic spirit on the global stage.

"The door knocker on Xingye Road opens the gateway to a new world, the unchanged spirit from the small boat on Nanhu Lake to the majestic ship... This is the mark of China's unique path etched in history. Born in this era, we must not fail it."

These lyrics are from In an Opportune Time, a rap song created by Jiang Yongrui, a 24-year-old from Liaocheng in East China's Shandong province.

Both "Xingye Road" and the "small boat on Nanhu Lake "mentioned in the song are significant locations where the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in 1921, witnessing the birth of the CPC.

This Chinese-style rap song was co-created by Jiang and his schoolmates in 2021, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, as a tribute to the Party, reflecting upon its journey filled with challenges and achievements over the years.

Jiang completed his bachelor's degree in rockets and missiles at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University.

His military-focused education has equipped Jiang with a deep understanding of the nation's modern history and the Party. "Having grown up in a time when our country had already become strong, our generation has a deep-seated confidence as Chinese people, allowing us to look at the rest of the world with a balanced perspective," he said.

In 2020, during his sophomore year, Jiang seized the opportunity to apply to join the CPC without hesitation.

In the same year, Jiang and several schoolmates established the rap music label NUDT Music Crew. Together, they have created a series of hip-hop songs addressing national, ethnic, and social issues.

For example, the song Time pays tribute to China's advancements in technological innovation, rural development, and more over the past decade. The Unsent Letter tells the story of a young soldier defending the country. And Universe, themed around the Space Day of China (April 24), narrates the efforts and dreams of Chinese aerospace practitioners.

Reflecting on his personal growth journey, Jiang believes his fate is closely tied to the environment and opportunities provided by his country. "I come from an ordinary small town, received training at a military school, and now find myself at a prestigious university. Step by step, I've been improving in various aspects. I'm grateful to the Party and my motherland."

Global perspectives

Wu Yimeng, 21, a young CPC member from Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, is also committed to integrating personal growth with national and global development.

Currently studying translation and interpretation at Fudan University's College of Foreign Languages and Literature in Shanghai, Wu is proficient in both English and Spanish, enabling her to actively engage in international affairs.

For instance, she has interned at prestigious organizations such as UNESCO and the World Economic Forum, contributing to research and communication projects focused on global governance policies. Additionally, she has conducted research for the World Health Organization's tobacco control project on tobacco regulation in China. She has also used quantitative methods to analyze commentaries from global think tanks on China's Belt and Road Initiative.

When asked about her personal goals, Wu expressed her aim to become "a Chinese soul with a global vision". "Whether in academic research or the practices of international organizations, many issues are still predominantly Western-led, so I hope to share China's experiences with the world," she said. "We developing countries have valuable insights into solving numerous problems that should be more widely shared and recognized."

Youth leadership

For Zheng Wangshu, 26, from Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, the significance of being a CPC member primarily lies in his commitment to helping those around him.

Zheng is pursuing a PhD in materials science through a joint program between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. His dedication to "nurturing and serving others" began during his middle school years. Whether as a class monitor or student council president, he consistently organized activities and found ways to connect with his fellow Generation Z students.

"My approach involves organizing activities in trendy and relatable ways that resonate with them," Zheng explained. "For example, I've led emoji creation contests, Three Line Poetry competitions, and Honor of Kings gaming tournaments. These activities have not only brought joy but also helped students develop skills and foster friendships."

During his senior year at university, Zheng took on the role of counselor for his grade, overseeing the lives, studies, and mental health of more than 100 students.

He remembered a classmate, who excelled in college entrance exams yet struggled after entering university, neglecting both academics and social activities and receiving two warnings of expulsion. Zheng provided continuous support, encouraging him to step out of his dorm to jog, monitoring study sessions via live-streaming, and motivating him to adopt a healthier routine. Over time, the classmate got back on track and regained control of his life.

"I see it as my responsibility to catch them when they stumble," Zheng said. "Seeing students transform makes me happy. It's not about personal achievements but about spreading positive energy."

Follow the light

Wu Huiqin and Zhao Xinyue, both young CPC members from Wuxi Vocational College of Science and Technology in Jiangsu, are also dedicated to spreading positivity.

Despite pursuing vocational education rather than traditional academic studies, they exemplify the spirit of "loving what you do" and excel in their respective fields.

Wu, specializing in integrated circuits, won first place in the Smart Logistics Sorting Challenge at the Fifth International Youth Artificial Intelligence Competition's China Division last December, setting a new school record.

However, Wu remains humble, noting that these honors only represent her past achievements. "I always remind myself that I refuse to be ordinary, which helps build my confidence. But I also know that there are many outstanding people out there, and I need to keep working hard. Learning is a marathon, not a sprint," she said.

Wu comes from a modest background in East China's Jiangxi province. Her path to college was made possible through a national poverty alleviation program that supported her since high school. While in college, she found inspiration in outstanding CPC members among her seniors.

"To me, being a CPC member means striving for excellence. This belief motivated me to join the Party because I, too, want to be an outstanding person," she said.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the integrated circuit industry in China, Wu aspires to further hone her professional skills and theoretical knowledge to become the talent needed by her country in this critical field.

Zhao, who specializes in visual communication, has also earned numerous honors in her field. However, vocational education focuses more on practical design tasks rather than theoretical knowledge. That's why Zhao has applied for an undergraduate program and will start her studies in September.

"I've mastered various design software and practical techniques, but I'm eager to learn more about art history and fine arts to enrich my understanding," she said. "In this era of rapid internet development, as a designer, I hope to cultivate my own ideas and nurture a unique creativity that AI cannot replicate."

Zhao, from Xinyang, Central China's Henan province, became a member of the CPC in May last year. Prior to this decision, she had actively engaged in Party activities, embracing its principles and discipline as guiding lights in her life.

"I wanted to be closer to that light," she said, reflecting on her choice to join the Party.

"Young people today are the creators of the future," Zhao said. "Even by living ordinary lives, we can each be a small light, shining brightly."

guiqian@i21st.cn