What's the buzz

It's time for university freshmen-to-be to leave their homes and start a new journey in life with their parents' words echoing in their ears. Looking back on the moment when you left home for college, were there any warm words from your parents that still move you to tears? China Daily cellphone readers share their views with us.

I still remember when I left for college, all my family came to say goodbye to me early in the morning. When the bus started, my grandmother, who was crying, called out "study hard and behave yourself", which made both my father and I cry as well. From then on I vowed in my heart that I must make some achievements on behalf of my family. Their expectations have given me great courage and the strength to strive for a brighter future.

SHANSHAN, Weifang, Shandong province

I was one of the only female university students in a remote village in Hunan province 28 years ago. When I left for Nanjing, Jiangsu province, to start my college life, my father exhorted me to "neither become arrogant when successful, nor give up when frustrated", while my mother told me to return to my hometown to work after graduation. However, I did not listen to my mom and I stayed in Nanjing. I have a good career and a happy family now. I feel terrible every time I think about my mom's words as she passed away 21 years ago. Since it is impossible for me to fulfill my filial duties to my mom, I will take better care of my father.

A READER, Shanghai

I left home for high school in another city when I was 14. Since then, whenever she sees me off at the small waiting room in the train station, my mother always tells me to give her a phone call when I arrive at school. These plain, caring words are in fact the best advice and support I have received during my days of study.

SONGSHU, Luohe, Henan province

Though it only took a couple of hours to travel to my university from home, my mother was still worried about me, repeatedly telling me to take good care of myself and eat well. At the time, I had no feeling for these words which became so familiar during my college life, it was not until several years later that I finally discovered how happy and relaxing it can be to have a warm and tasty meal after work. What my mother said is very touching to me now every time I recall them and they are carved in my heart.

WOXIANGSHUO, Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region

I came to my dream city of Beijing three years ago from a small town in the south thousands of miles away. At the time, I felt anxious about the long trip for this was my first time traveling this far with heavy luggage. My father noticed my worries, but he just said "I believe in you", which gave me courage and helped me become more independent and stronger during my university life.

A READER, Beijing

Five years ago, my father took me to my university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. When we arrived, he silently helped me carry the luggage to my dormitory and then told me to call home when I was homesick. My father doesn't talk much nor is he emotional, but his words that day always echo in my heart, giving me warmth and strength.

MARIAH, Ningbo, Zhejiang province

(China Daily 08/27/2012 page9)