傅韵霏 Stanford University

    On the scorching day of August 4, Shenzhen junior journalists gathered at the Huaqiang Road Metro station to begin their volunteering shift.

    It was heartening to see so many young people contributing to our city. Soon after putting on our red volunteer jackets, we were deployed to posts scattered throughout the station.

    My post near the Metro entrance was a busy one, although the duties were simple, as were those of the other journalists who helped travelers with ticket-selling machines or stood near crossroads to give directions. If the entrance machine failed to respond to the beeping of a card or ticket, I was to lead the traveler to another machine or to the service center. I was also responsible for giving a hand to travelers weighed down with heavy luggage and showing them towards the elevator.

    Many young members of our volunteering group rushed around the station, eagerly fetching maps for the people they assisted.

    In between helping travelers and picturing a map of SZ in my brain, I enjoyed observing the people, who had every conceivable background and personality.

    It was quite interesting to muse on the psychological implications that lay behind their behavior.

    The junior journalists left their posts half-willingly that afternoon.