A Day as A Volunteer

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As the alarm clock jolted me awake, a chill of morning air filled the room. The campus was draped in moonlight at 6 o’clock, with the soft glow of sunrise hinting at the day to come. Standing on my dorm balcony, I marveled at how this small school could accommodate thousands of candidates, feeling a sense of novelty. After getting ready, I went to the admissions office to sign up.

By 7 o’clock, I had finished signing up so I wander around the campus to spend time. As I wandered, I ran into invigilators who were already preparing for the coming exam. We greeted each others, and the greeting dispelled the coldness of the morning.

At 7 o’clock, a crowd of people appeared on the staircase.I watched as students ran up and down the stairs, some clutching their materials nervously, others scanning the campus with excitement. As I spoke with them, I saw tension, confusion, and yearning blaze in their eyes, a cluster of flame that stirred empathy in my heart. 

From 7 to 8 o’clock, things were relatively calm. Our main duties included guiding candidates to their exam rooms and reminding invigilators of any necessary notices. Time flew by, and when the bell rang at 8 o’clock, the campus fell into silence except for the cadence of the radio. I hadn’t realized how busy the work would be until the exams began. Now, looking back, I can’t recall what kept me so occupied, except for shuttling between the second and third floors. When an emergency occurred, I would even start to trot. 

Meanwhile, the endless emergency situations in the WeChat group provided some amusement. At times, as we volunteers confirmed information in the group, we couldn’t help but laugh together. Fortunately, the teachers and volunteers solved all the issues successfully.

As time kept passing by, the smell of pastries wafted through the air, stirring our appetites after working. I was charged with bringing the snacks to the other volunteers, as a glorious task, but when I picked up the dish full of food, it felt like I was carrying a thousand tons in my hands. I walked between the buildings with the plate, realizing too late the importance of regular exercise. After finishing the task, I lay onto the lockers, completely exhausted. However, the sense of satisfaction from completing the task with great effort replaced my tiredness.

The work during math test was relatively easy, with no emergencies except for conveying information. Although there was still noise on the ground floor, the building remained constant in silence. Occasionally, we could hear the sound of the wind blewing through the trees and the green leaves swaying. The sublight pierced through the cloud at noon, and the bell signaled the end of the exam, terminating our work temporarily.

Originally, I volunteered only to fulfill my community service hours, but now I realize that this job has brought a new meaning for me. We are illuminated by the warm sunshine from our predecessors and seniors, and thus we must spread our own light on those who are now dedicating themselves to their dreams. Caring and warmth will flow together like a river that passess through the grande wilderness and flows toward an invisible horizon.

The past half day felt like a dream, as the story began with a faint dawn and culminated with the brilliant sunlight illuminating the entire world.

Words from Volunteers