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Editor's Note: The fourth English Essay and Short Video Contest, themed "SCNU & Me", ended with 312 entries from 39 different schools and institutes. We congratulate all prize winners on their outstanding performance. Awarded winners have been announced (see results), and all winning entries will be published in this column.
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By Cheng Zikang
When I stepped onto the university campus, little did I know that my bond with SCNU would be tested and strengthened in an unimaginable way at the end of 2022 when the epidemic hit Guangzhou and my university. It was a challenging and unforgettable time for everyone involved, witnessing a series of unprecedented events that profoundly impacted our university. Let me share the story of how we students and SCNU fought the epidemic together.
As my shackles with SCNU continued to deepen, the once vibrant and bustling atmosphere transformed into an eerie silence, overshadowed by a sense of uncertainty and fear. It all started with the sudden announcement of the first positive case within our university community on November 17, 2022. The news spread like wildfire, triggering a chain reaction that led to the immediate closure of the campus and the implementation of strict quarantine measures. As a result, we students were confined to the dormitories, classes moved online, and all social activities came to a grinding halt.
The sudden announcement of the first positive case within our university community on November 17, 2022.
Walking through the deserted hallways, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of emptiness. The vibrant energy that accompanied the everyday hustle and bustle was replaced by an eerie stillness. The once lively common areas now stood empty, devoid of the usual laughter and conversations that once filled the air. The atmosphere was heavy with anxiety and anticipation, as everyone waited anxiously for updates on the situation.
Yet, during this period of confinement, I witnessed genuine concern and support from my counsellors, Liang Hao and Yu Xinyi. They consistently checked up on us, provided us with the latest updates, and offered emotional support. Even the students trapped in the laboratory received their selfless assistance, involving daily catering and supplements. Their presence reassured us that we were not alone in this fight against the epidemic.
My counsellors provides us with daily catering and supplements.
Moreover, the teachers who are responsible for our dormitory building demonstrated their unwavering sense of responsibility and mission. They insisted on delivering all meals for us every day, and even paid attention to the issue of extra meals for students in need, providing afternoon tea and midnight snacks. Their dedication and adaptability were inspiring, motivating us to persevere through the challenges and continue our pursuit of knowledge.
Meals, midnight snacks included, are delivered to students every day.
But it wasn't just the faculty who played a remarkable role during this trying time. It is an honour that during this period, I served as the head of student logistics support of Environmental College at Building 10 North, responsible for daily catering and supervision of student nucleic acid testing. I was always waiting for instructions to go downstairs to pick up the meals, and then deliver the meals to each dormitory of our college, ensuring it was in place.
I am queuing for nucleic acid testing.
My classmates actively joined the volunteer team, and we could see their figures in white coats when we were queuing for nucleic acid testing. Our student volunteers emerged as unsung heroes, jointly fighting against the epidemic.
My classmate serves as a volunteer.
The student community also played a crucial role in supporting each other. Collaborative study or work groups continued virtually, providing a sense of unity and shared purpose. Online clubs offered platforms for us to pursue our passions and alleviate some of the monotony that enveloped our lives. I celebrated Boys' Day online with club members, played games together and shared sorrows and joys. Through these virtual avenues, I witnessed the power of resilience and the resolve to make the best out of a challenging situation.
As the outbreak gradually came under control, the combined efforts of SCNU and us students, proved successful in minimizing the impact on the university community. On October 22, 2022, the school authorities officially announced the lifting of the five-day lockdown management within the university community.
When I slowly resume my daily life on campus, I do so with a renewed appreciation for the face-to-face interactions I once took for granted. I move forward, equipped with the lessons learned during the lockdown period, knowing that we can face any future challenges with the same determination and unity that carried us through this extraordinary time.
In the end, my connection with SCNU was not weakened by the epidemic but rather deepened. We stand united, strong, and ever grateful for the bond that kept us together during those trying times.
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