Astronaut Nie Haisheng’s message to Xiangyang youth: When facing difficulties, do not retreat, just as space explorers confront challenges!

“When facing difficulties, don’t back down. Like aerospace professionals confronting challenges, treat every test as a stepping stone for growth. When achieving success, don’t become arrogant, always remember the responsibilities and duties on your shoulders.” At the October 11th ceremony recognizing Xiangyang City’s “New Era Outstanding Youth” for 2025, aerospace hero Nie Haisheng recorded a video message for the city’s young people.

That day, outstanding youth representatives including Yang Yiting, Li Tianqi, Lin Yucong, and Liu Jiayi took the stage to share their inspirational stories and growth experiences. Several distinguished guests came on stage to offer encouragement, including a heritage bearer of Hubei Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage “Xiangyang Plaque Decoration Technique,” a “Hubei Provincial Rural Artisan Master,” a “Chinese Good Person” and National Excellent Teacher, a National May First Labor Medal recipient and “Hubei Good Person,” and a “Chinese Good Person” volunteer from Baokang County Special Education School. They encouraged children to study diligently, strengthen their ideals and beliefs, and strive to become pillars capable of shouldering the重任 of national construction and rejuvenation.

This event highlighted the exemplary deeds of 30 outstanding young individuals, guiding all city youth to emulate excellence, persevere, and strive to become “New Era Outstanding Youth.” These remarkable young people include: “Red Scarf explainers” who actively spread revolutionary stories and promote their hometown’s narrative across various venues; young heritage bearers deeply passionate about traditional culture who practice intensively daily; “Self-strengthening Stars” who bravely shoulder family responsibilities from a young age while remaining filial, grateful, positive, and self-reliant; academically excellent, self-disciplined, proactive students who serve as capable classroom assistants; “Civilization Little Angels” actively engaged in volunteer work and public service; and “Technology Whiz Kids” enthusiastic about scientific innovation.

In his video message, Nie Haisheng expressed his hope that all young people in the city would use dreams as wings and diligence as their path, establishing patriotic aspirations early, starting with small daily actions, showing filial respect to parents and elders, fostering friendship with classmates, studying hard, and daring to innovate – allowing the radiance of New Era Outstanding Youth to bring honor to Xiangyang and glory to the nation.

The event, themed “Role Models Guide the Growth Path, Youth Strive Forward in the New Era,” was jointly organized by multiple municipal departments. Three students – Xu Zihan, Lin Yucong, and Liu Jiayi – were selected as Hubei Province’s “New Era Outstanding Youth.”