Campus life: my sports journey

Hi everyone! I’m Chen Yifan, but you can also call me Cathy. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse of my vibrant sports life on campus.

This semester, I joined Zhejiang University’s Dragon Dance Team, enrolled in a rock climbing master class, and took a kayaking PE course. Let me dive into each experience!

As a member of the university’s Dragon Dance Team, I’ve had the honor of performing at events for the College of Materials and the School of Management, bringing joy to teachers and students with our lively New Year performances. However, dragon dance is no easy feat—it requires close coordination among team members and strong core strength, especially in the back and waist. As the “dragon head” performer, I lead the team’s movements, relying on arm strength to guide the dragon’s fluid motions. Though training is tough, the bond with my teammates makes every practice worthwhile.

This was my first time trying rock climbing, and it’s been quite a challenge! The sport demands strong back and arm muscles—after each session, my body feels pleasantly sore. But the bigger hurdle for me has been overcoming my fear of heights. Whenever I climb too high, I freeze up and lose my grip. As a beginner, I’m taking it slow, but I’m determined to improve and reach new heights—both literally and metaphorically!

Without a doubt, kayaking has been my favorite this semester! Our instructor organizes fun water games like water balloon battles, turning each class into an adventure. Paddling on Qizhen Lake under the bright, sunny sky, I feel completely at peace. There’s nothing quite like lying back on the water, letting the gentle waves carry me, and thinking: This is college life at its best.

Sports have not only strengthened me physically but also enriched my campus experience with teamwork, perseverance, and pure joy. Whether it’s the roar of the dragon, the thrill of climbing, or the tranquility of kayaking, each activity has taught me something new. I hope my stories inspire you to embrace sports too—feel free to reach out if you’d like to join me for some outdoor fun!