Time slips away whether we like it or not, and upon looking back we find that the past is partly hidden in memory and partly visible. City skyscrapers are rising high into the sky and the streets are growing wider and flatter, with pedestrians walking fast. The clang and rhythm of the streets are accompanied by the unease that comes with change. With the pressures that we face, how can we find a tranquil corner for a rest?

Chen Xing, female, 24, Preschool Education major, Sichuan branch, Open University of China (OUC)

I remember leaving the Kindergarten Teachers School in Jiangyou full of vigour and hope, and a feeling that everything was beautiful. Every moment I spent with children made me happy, and I wanted to teach them what I knew. One time, however, during a disagreement with some parents, they presented me with well-researched thinking on the subject of early-childhood education, and I felt embarrassed at my lack of knowledge. This made me determined to resume my studies.
However, my work made it difficult for me to find time to study, and I couldn’t help but wonder whether I should just give it up and move on. A number of my colleagues were working hard to upgrade their skills, and there seemed to be more and more competition for jobs. I felt that I could not afford to delay, and with the encouragement of my manager I enrolled as an undergraduate in the Preschool Education programme at the Pengshan branch of the OUC in 2016.

At the same time, I was able to integrate what I was learning at the OUC with my kindergarten work. In 2017, my thesis What Can Children Learn from Outdoor Activities in Kindergarten? was noted by managers, colleagues and parents, and came third in the Meishan Institute of Educational Science competition. My efforts led me to realise the importance of continual improvement, and I became more flexible in all aspects of my work.

At the OUC, I gained a thorough grounding in both theory and practice. In 2016, I participated in a classical-Chinese reading competition held by the university, and the process of selecting and reciting the materials gave me great insight into traditional Chinese culture in general and the culture of Pengshan in particular, especially in relation to the traditions of loyalty and filial piety that have been so important to it for so long. In 2017, the Sichuan Radio and Television University (Sichuan RTVU) held its first singing competition, and I enthusiastically took part, displaying my singing talent and helping to promote a positive energy on campus. In the end I won the People’s Choice award for having gained the most votes from the audience and judges.

Without hard work, one will not taste the joy of forging ahead and of realizing one’s dream. Work, life and studies need to be balanced. I always felt fulfilled, proud and rewarded during my time at the OUC, since I was struggling for my dream without wasting my time. Learning is popular nowadays, and the OUC is a “handy” university. I still have much to learn, but want to take this chance to thank the OUC and its teachers. I hope to live a wonderful life with the help of the OUC, and am sure my days there will be my most precious memory.(This speech won third prize in the OUC “My Learning Story” speech contest.)

By OUC