Lu Yi-Zhan is a student at Taiwan Police College. During the interview, his bright smile and optimistic, cheerful personality left a strong impression on everyone. Throughout the camp, he was also an energetic presence, helping to keep the atmosphere lively. Let’s take a look at Yi-Zhan’s reflections on his Chengdu journey!
Volunteer's Reflection—Lu Yi-Zhan
I had the rare and meaningful opportunity to travel to Chengdu and take part in this camp. Beyond guiding the children around a city rich in history and culture, what made this experience especially meaningful was living together with them for five days. We not only spent time together throughout the day, but also shared the same living space, which allowed us to build much closer bonds than a typical short-term interaction.
During those five days, I stayed with the children from morning to night. We visited well-known attractions such as People’s Park and Kuanzhai Alley, and back in our rooms, we shared our thoughts, talked about our days, and laughed over small moments. Sometimes, the children would excitedly ask about the next day’s itinerary before going to bed; other times, some would feel homesick late at night and need companionship. These moments may seem small, but they helped me realize that being a leader is not just about guiding tours—it’s also about listening and being present. As the children gradually began to see me as a brother they could rely on, I quietly came to understand the meaning of responsibility and personal growth.
During the day, I guided the children to learn about Chengdu through games and activities, such as solving puzzles to find landmarks or tasting local snacks and sharing their thoughts. At night, we returned to the same room, falling asleep to their laughter or occasional complaints. These closely shared five days not only helped the children gain a deeper understanding of Chengdu, but also gave me an indescribable sense of belonging.
I would especially like to thank the ADLINK Eduacation foundation for its support. Without this opportunity, I would not have been able to experience the camp so fully in both roles—as a leader and as someone sharing daily life with the children. This experience helped me realize that education does not only happen in classrooms or at famous sites, but also in everyday moments of companionship. In the future, I hope to turn what I have gained into motivation to keep moving forward and to help more children discover the wider world.
