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Editor's Note: The results of the fifth SCNU English Writing and Short Video Contest have been announced on the website of the Office of International Exchange & Cooperation of SCNU (see results). We congratulate all prize winners on their outstanding performance. Winning entries will be published in this column.
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By Huang Ningying
At South China Normal University (SCNU), there is a group of unknown guardians who, like capillaries, support the daily life of the campus. Often unnoticed, these unsung heroes dedicate themselves to supporting students and staff, creating a safe and comfortable environment for all. Among them is Master Liu, a maintenance worker whose dedication to his craft and commitment to the community deserve recognition.
We often take for granted the people who quietly make our daily lives comfortable. The clean dormitories, functioning facilities, and the overall sense of order on campus do not happen by chance—they are the result of tireless work by people like Master Liu. A seemingly ordinary repair incident allowed me to see firsthand just how extraordinary his efforts truly are.
It was a scorching summer day when disaster struck in our dormitory: the water pump malfunctioned, causing a steady stream of water to gush out uncontrollably. The problem disrupted our daily routines and wasted a valuable resource. As the dormitory manager, I reported the issue after hearing complaints from my roommates, though many doubted the efficiency of the repair service. “This could take days to fix,” one remarked in frustration.
To my surprise, help arrived far sooner than expected. When I returned to the dormitory that afternoon, a figure caught my attention—a repairman in worn overalls, toolbox in hand. At first, I assumed he was headed to another building, but as I followed him, he stopped at our door. It was Master Liu.
Inside the cramped, humid bathroom, Master Liu worked tirelessly despite the oppressive heat. Sweat dripped from his brow as he methodically replaced the damaged components. Instead of opting for a temporary patch, he replaced the entire pipe system and meticulously sealed every joint, ensuring there would be no future issues. Watching him work, I couldn’t help but admire his precision and focus—he treated the task with the care and professionalism of an artist perfecting his craft.
Just when we thought things had returned to normal, another issue arose—this time with our washbasin. A leak sent water splashing onto the floor, and onto our feet, causing inconvenience. Once again, Master Liu came to the rescue. Armed with electric drills, new tiles, and cement, he tackled the issue head-on. Instead of settling for a quick fix, he dismantled the damaged section, replaced the broken tiles, and tightly sealed every joint. By the time he finished, the washbasin looked brand new.
Over time, Master Liu became more than just a repairman to us—he became a trusted friend and an integral part of our lives. Fondly referred to as “Master Liu,” he always appeared whenever we needed help, whether it was a leaking faucet or a malfunctioning power switch. His consistent presence and reliability gave us peace of mind, knowing that no problem was too big or small for him to handle.
Beyond his skill and dedication, it was Master Liu’s personal story that left the deepest impression on us. One evening, after finishing a repair, he shared how he had dropped out of school at 15 to support his younger siblings’ education. His parents, unable to afford education for all their children, relied on him to work. Though he sacrificed his own dreams of attending university, he found purpose in ensuring that students like us could thrive in a supportive environment. “I couldn’t study,” he said with quiet determination, “But I’ll help others do so.”
Hearing his story, I realized that Master Liu’s role extended far beyond repairing broken pipes. He was a guardian of our campus life, someone whose selfless acts ensured that we could focus on our studies without unnecessary distractions. His work reminded us of the immense value of those who labor quietly behind the scenes, their contributions often overlooked but undeniably essential.
Master Liu’s story embodies universal values—dedication, resilience, and quiet service. Through his actions, he demonstrates that true heroism lies not in grand gestures but in consistent, humble acts that uplift others. Whether working under the harsh summer sun or fixing a power outage late at night, he approaches every task with the same unwavering commitment.
SCNU thrives because of people like Master Liu. While their contributions often go unnoticed, they are the foundation upon which the campus operates. They remind us that excellence often comes from those who work humbly behind the scenes, driven by a deep sense of service and care for others.
These unsung heroes deserve our respect and gratitude. Their stories, like Master Liu’s, remind us to appreciate the quiet yet powerful acts of service that make our lives better.
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