The lively and charming Lü Jixi consistently brings boundless energy to lead her team and approaches her responsibilities with dedication, especially when preparing lesson plans. Beyond her outstanding performance at the camp, she has repeatedly been awarded the ADLINK Education Scholarship. Together with her classmate Song Xuan from the Opera Academy, she will co-host the 2025 ADLINK Scholarship Award Ceremony. With their clear diction, confident stage presence, and natural poise, the pair are sure to make the event truly memorable.
Jixi’s talents also extend to writing, as reflected in her insightful camp reflections. Let’s explore the valuable experiences and lessons she gained from the summer camp!
Volunteer's Reflection—Lü Jixi
The streets were steaming hot like a giant oven, filled with the aroma of street-side spicy hotpot, and lined with towering buildings and famous shops. The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew—this was Chengdu.
Unlike a typical sightseeing trip, this journey was not simply about traveling. Behind me followed a group of young children—innocent, fearless, and always wearing bright, harmless smiles. I, once a delicate young lady untouched by the world, transformed into their caretaker in every sense. From carefully measuring the exact milliliters of their daily medication to observing small conflicts between children, every task demanded attention and care. Beyond ensuring the itinerary ran smoothly, taking care of them was our responsibility.
From the initial awkwardness on the first day to the easy conversations by the last, we held hands as we explored Chengdu’s history and sights together. Whether it was the understated elegance of Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, the dazzling blue of Dujiangyan, or the breathtaking grandeur of the Four Girls Mountain, I believe these memories have planted a tiny seed in their hearts—a seed that encourages them to explore, to challenge themselves, and to step boldly into the unknown.
During the camp, our volunteer team was fully engaged with the children every morning, playing the roles of big brothers and sisters. At night, we held meetings to plan and prepare for the next day. On the final evening, as we prepared a photo DVD full of the children’s pictures as a gift, I worked alongside many volunteers until the early hours, leaving barely two hours for sleep. Yet, as I sorted the photos, seeing their joyful smiles when spotting pandas at Shenshuping, their delight in making steamed buns, and the lively, heartwarming chaos while playing paceprint, all fatigue melted away. My heart was filled with warmth and happiness. Perhaps this is the true meaning of participating in a camp: even when exhausted, the moment you see your hopes and ideals come to life, every effort feels worthwhile.
The time spent with the children was precious and fleeting. Before parting, one child looked up at me, hesitantly but with expectation, and asked, “Will you come again next time?” I patted his head and smiled without answering. I knew that the answer did not need to be spoken immediately. Regardless of whether we meet again, this brief encounter had already left a mark in our hearts. Yet I believe he will understand—at some point, in some place, we will meet again. As long as we keep that expectation alive in our hearts, it is never truly goodbye.
