Myself and 10 classmates were sent by our school to Lantian Middle School in the underdeveloped ethnic Yao area, Longmen County in Guangdong Province, on December 18.

    First we donated some books and clothes to the school. Because we were scheduled to visit and communicate with a local student at his or her home, we met the local host student arranged by the school principal. We greeted each other, and she said with a shy smile: “Hi, everybody! Just call me Lin, I am studying in Junior Two and my home is near here. You are welcome to have lunch at my home, please follow me.”

    On the way to her home, we saw many rudimentary houses, paddy fields, and scalpers. We started talking about her studies and her family, and quickly became familiar. Then she sighed, “I hope you can help our school stock its library because I really like reading, but there are so few books to borrow.” One of my classmates praised her enthusiasm and work ethic.

    After about a 10-minute walk, we reached Lin’s home, and were shocked by the simplicity of it. Her father warmly received us. We noticed the number of certificates on her wall. “Wow! Lin, how did you get so many certificates?” She modestly replied, “You see, these certificates belong to the past.”

    We all were amazed at the variety of things she had been awarded for, including “tri-excellence student,” “runner-up of English competition,” “outstanding class cadre” etc.

    One classmate couldn’t help shouting, “You must have more certificates than all of us put together!” She replied earnestly, “You are flattering me. Please don’t talk like that. The only way for me is to study hard because I dream of going to university. You know, few people from this town ever get the chance to go to university.”

    Before leaving, we left the stationery as a gift prepared in advance at her home. How time flies, but Lin’s perseverance through hardship is something I will never forget.