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Grades 11-12: The Bits and Pieces That Make Us Whole - A Speech by Mr. Shujun Huang

October 10, 2020

During the CAS class on September 30th, 2020, students from Grades 11-12 listened to Mr. Huang Shujun’s lecture in the Grand Auditorium. Not only is Mr. Huang a famous singer, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and music show judge, he is also currently the music director of Shanghai Oriental Entertainment Media Group. Although he has already become famous, Mr. Huang was not here to explain how he succeeded, but to share the story of his personal growth.

Mr. Huang’s lecture began with his multitalented childhood. He could dance, do calligraphy, draw, play different instruments such as the piano, guitar, and violin, and do sports. At the same time, he was also interested in stage plays and was exceptional in the field of mathematics. Persuaded by his father and teacher, he entered the atmospheric science major of National Taiwan University. However, he soon realized that he was not suitable for studying this subject. Mr. Huang learned a valuable lesson from this experience: the thing you were good at as a teenager may not necessarily become the direction of your future career development.

Next up, Mr. Huang shared his experience on how he became a musician. Mr. Huang started experimenting with music during his junior year in college. In 1987, he was signed by a record company and published his first album “Nonstop Sadness” after composing 10 songs in a month. His success with his first album may appear coincidental, but if he had not learned all those seemingly “useless” skills when he was young, he wouldn’t have been able to step on his journey steadily. From this story, Mr. Huang wants to tell everybody that what you learn right now might seem “impractical”, but it would make a difference in your life sooner or later.

Lastly, Mr. Huang also mentioned the new changes in the music industry. To keep up with the current trends, Mr. Huang went to study for an MBA and then became a music show judge, taking his music on a new path. He also produced the musical “Nonstop Sadness” in 2018. After 30 years, all the songs from his first album resurfaced, allowing the songs to meet the audience in a brand new way during this new era.

Mr. Huang’s lecture was enlightening to the 11-12thGrade students. Life is probably full of unknowns; you never know in how many years and in what way every decision you make will manifest its effect. Mr. Huang used his own life experience to advise the students not to feel anxious or confused due to the uncertain future. Every little thing that we learn now will map out our ever-changing future bit by bit.

(Written by Yuzhen Qian Pictures by Ana Mao Editted and Supervised by Sijia He)