Being a member of the senior team

Do you remember your first day at Zhejiang University? You and your family arrived, carrying your luggage and stepping through the university gates, feeling overwhelmed by the vast campus. You timidly asked upperclassmen for directions to your dormitory, unable to distinguish between Lantian, Danqing, and Yunfeng.

As a sophomore, I signed up as a welcome volunteer, joining the senior team to guide incoming freshmen and experience the vibrant atmosphere of new students arriving on campus. I also wanted to gain some volunteer hours and improve my own skills in volunteering.

On August 14th, we underwent a day of training, which proved invaluable. On the morning of the 17th, we were up before 7 a.m. to welcome the new students arriving at the campus gate. The freshmen and their parents arrived by university shuttle buses, carrying various pieces of luggage. Our task as volunteers was to hold boards directing them to their dormitory buildings. The morning sun was intense, but hearing the sincere thanks from parents and students made it all worthwhile. On the 18th, we organized class groups, elected class committee members, and made new friends. On the evening of the 20th, we provided course selection guidance to the new students in the classroom, advising them one-on-one on which courses to choose.

On the night before I left Hangzhou, I personally bought drinks for all my classmates. When the teacher found out, she voluntarily reimbursed the cost and thanked me for doing something she had wanted to do herself. Initially, my family and friends were puzzled by my decision to participate, thinking there was no real benefit, especially since I had to buy the tickets from my hometown to Hangzhou on my own. However, after spending a few days with the new students, I felt that my choice was the right one. Interacting with them reminded me of my own early university days: full of hope, dreams, and enthusiasm for life, with high expectations for the future.

During my first year of university, much of that initial excitement had worn off, but after this week, I believe that in the new semester, I’ll work hard and stay as spirited as the new students.