Beijing students head west
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Does that mean the students are nervous?
"No," said Moon, 20, who will leave July 15. "I'm ready for it. We're ready for everything."
Even though the volunteers have the confidence and enthusiasm of youth, Li has one last piece of advice. The teachers must find a balance between what they hope to achieve and what can actually be accomplished.
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Volunteers read a poem they wrote about volunteer spirit to their peers and sponsors [By Ren Zhongxi/China.org.cn] |
The students will spend 30 days teaching, which is about a week longer than the volunteers did last summer. To make the most of the experience, the volunteers work with city officials to make the most of what time is available. Being in this type of environment helped Li as much as she helped her students.
"I've grown so much [since I started teaching there]," said Li, who is considering pursuing a master's degree in social work after she gets her bachelor's degree. "I've learned to teach and cooperate with people who have different ideas and to get the biggest influence and biggest effect in what I do."
The lessons are the reward for the volunteers. Qin Yang, 19, assistant manager of the group and a participant on the January trip, said he just wants to do something to help those in need.
Other students echo this sentiment, and for some, it is refreshing to hear.
"In this society, most people chase money and profit," said Liu Hongyi, an officer for Siwei. "I hope the students can be role models."
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