Volunteering at the freshmen registration day

Ever since my freshman year, I have carried with me the warm memory of being helped by senior students on my very first day at Zhejiang University. Back then, everything felt new and unfamiliar, from setting up apps to figuring out campus life but thanks to their patience and kindness, I was able to settle down smoothly. That experience planted a little wish in my heart. One day, I also want to stand on the other side, becoming the person who can offer the same support and encouragement to the next batch of freshmen. I missed the opportunity to volunteer in my sophomore year due to time constraints, so this year I was truly excited to finally be part of the team.

My main responsibility during the registration day was assisting new students with the ZJU DingTalk app. We guided them through downloading, registering, and joining the official organizations. On paper, it might sound straightforward, but in practice, we encountered many different situations. Some students didn’t have a Chinese phone number, some faced account troubleshooting issues, and at times we needed to bridge language barriers.

Together with my teammates, we handled each case step by step, making sure every student could complete the process smoothly. Beyond technical help, we also acted as an information counter, answering all sorts of questions — from course selection to visa concerns, or even the small challenges of adapting to their first days in China.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the chance to connect with students from different backgrounds and countries. We shared stories, laughed over small misunderstandings, and supported each other along the way. Volunteering was not only about giving, but also about learning and building friendships.

Later, during the opening ceremony, I also joined my friends from the school ambassador program to receive an award. Through TikTok videos and consultation activities, we had been working to share real student experiences and encourage more people to consider studying in China. Standing on stage to receive the recognition felt precious — a reminder that every small effort can contribute to something bigger. This year, I look forward to continuing these efforts, spreading the spirit of Zhejiang University, and supporting more students as they begin their new journeys.