Time: Wednesday, September 5, 2011. Location: Room 8A, Osmanthus Village, Zhuhai.
Before we know it, the last summer holiday of university has come to an end, and there is no regret for the passing of time. Because when I look back on the past, what I have experienced and possessed is a fulfilling and meaningful three months—
June 3:
The first few days were spent with her, my beloved. Although immediately after this, we would be separated for a full three months—without familiar faces, without affectionate voices, even with scarce text communication—the presence of the Lord, and the warmth of holding her in my arms, was enough to give me the courage and strength of love.
June 19:
After a few days of rest at home, I embarked on the longest journey of my life so far—a trip to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With my backpack, I traveled from Xian, Shaanxi, to Qinghai, Tibet, and then to Nepal. Due to the long distances involved in western China, a trip originally planned for 20 days ended up lasting 35 days. Even though I was traveling alone, I never felt lonely because I met many lovely fellow travelers along the way. Their companionship, their words, their laughter, became unforgettable highlights of the journey.
July 23:
After returning from the trip and resting for two days, I took on an important task—working at my father's garment company. Actually, since junior high school, I had discovered my greatest passion—traveling. And ever since then, whether in daily life or in choosing my university major, I have always pursued this interest. I even somewhat arrogantly believed that I would definitely make a name for myself in the tourism industry, which I was interested in, while looking down on the industry my parents worked in.
However, at a certain moment in a certain year and month, I suddenly realized that everything that supported my life, growth, learning, and even traveling all came from my parents' business. And as an only child, for 20 years, I had been completely unaware of what they did. Even from the perspective of filial piety, this shouldn't be. Moreover, many times, things we think we are interested in or not are just our assumptions. To truly know how something tastes, you need to take a bite yourself. So, in the following month, I spent my time at my family's garment company. I worked alongside middle school students doing part-time jobs at grassroots positions, frequently drove to various counties and towns to pick up and deliver goods, and also helped draft new management regulations in the office. These varied experiences gave me a comprehensive understanding of the factory.
August 22:
It was time to board a southbound flight. Although school didn't start until September 5th, there was an event waiting from August 23rd to 26th—an opportunity to volunteer at a mountainous area hope primary school in Yangchun, Guangdong. This activity was organized by the Macao Volunteer Association, serving as a reward program for outstanding volunteers under the Macao University Volunteer Plan. Although there were several local sightseeing activities mixed in, the most rewarding part was undoubtedly the touching moments experienced during the two days at the hope school.
August 27:
Just after returning to my little nest in Zhuhai, I rushed to Guangzhou the next day. After three years of study, having passed through Guangzhou dozens of times without really delving into it, I decided to use this gap before the start of school to truly explore Guangzhou. Through the guidance of classmate Yu, I personally experienced the food and charm of old Guangzhou; and through conversations with my brother, I gained some insights into the professional ecosystem of Guangzhou. Although it was only a short two days, I gained a more rational understanding of Guangzhou both inside and out.
August 29:
The final week was spent in my little nest in Zhuhai, waiting for the start of school, which could also be considered a thorough rest before the start of the semester. Without my returned roommates and without internet access, the word of God became my sole companion. Thankful for such companionship, I welcomed the dawn of the new semester with joy.
This account may seem like a simple journal entry fit for a primary school student, but if it can help me remember such a summer vacation, does the simplicity of the method matter? Many years from now, when I look back, oh, it turns out that the last summer vacation of my life was fulfilling and full of meaning!
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