That was the message conveyed by newly appointed Otago University Students’ Association president Jack Manning during a special ceremony to welcome Otago University first-year students in Dunedin last night.
He told about 3000 students it was something he wished someone had told him in his first year at university. He summed up what it meant to be a student in five points.
To welcome and learn from everyone, be intellectually rigorous, learn humility, tell your story and look out for each other.
He said two incidents in the past 12 months had claimed the lives of two students and he did not want the same to happen to this year’s cohort.
"Loss can be an incredibly sobering phenomenon and it can remind us how important it is to look after ourselves and those that we hold dear."
Vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne echoed Mr Mannings’ words.
She challenged students to "act like a super hero" and monitor themselves and others.
"Call out bad behaviour when you see it.
"Call out racism, sexism, prejudicial remarks of any kind ... anyone whose actions or words hurt someone else."
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins reminded students they could learn just as much outside the lecture theatre as inside and encouraged them to get involved with everything the city had to offer.
"Myself and the council are here to support you and your endeavours."