This year, a total of 300 student volunteers served during the New Student Orientation Week. On Sep 3 and Sep 4, they served as campus guides to accompany the new students in the whole process of registration and hostel check-in. They answered all kinds of questions from the new students and the parents, and even carried the heavy luggage for them. Their busy figures in sweated white T-shirts could be found everywhere on campus, forming a beautiful view at UIC.
The volunteers had been trained for several days in preparation for the New Student Orientation. Their excellent service corresponded to the servant leadership concept that UIC has been advocating all the time.
The job is not easy, but I am happy and satisfied
Kuang Jun, a student from International Journalism, served at the Reception in the International Center, the first station to receipt the new students. Starting at 8 am, his work is mainly about registering every new student at their arrival, sending a volunteer to guide the new students to the Registration and the Hostel Check-in, and answering the enquiries from the new students and their parents. It was a busy position. At peak time, the line in front of their counter was long enough to crook all the way through the lobby and reach the gate. Kuang Jun stayed in his position, dealing with unexpected situations calmly. He said the job was tiring but rewarding. It was a great opportunity to train his ability in dealing with emergencies. He also felt happy when he was helping others.
Tan, also from International Journalism, was responsible for guiding new students to the Registration and Hostel Check-in. Whether it was in the hot sun or the sudden rain, he guided new students to go across the whole campus, helping to carry luggage, answering enquiries patiently. He was exhausted, but he always kept a warm and friendly smile on him. He said he had never before worked like this, and he didn’t expected the work to be so tiring, but he thought it was worth the labor to help others. “We didn’t get pay for our work, but we were satisfied.”
Actually, the scheduled voluntary service didn’t require the volunteers to carry the luggage for the new students, but the volunteers were contented to offer their help wherever they could. Their affection and care huddled the new students so warmly, just like they were a family.
Zhang, a new student from Beijing said with admiration, “The sun was very hot, but they still helped me to carry the luggage to the dorm, and asked me what else they could do for me. I am grateful for their help. I came here alone, but I don’t feel lonely. Their affection made me feel like I was back at home.”
He, a girl from the Applied Economy said, “The voluntary service is person-oriented. It was a great help to me. The senior students are thoughtful. They care a lot about us.”
Parents were satisfied with the performance of the volunteers, “They are very nice. They answered our questions patiently. They gave us a lot of useful information about the living and study at UIC. We came from other provinces and we were concerned about our kids’ living here, but what we found were reassuring.”
Prof. Kwok also highly praised the performance of the volunteers. He said they had done an excellent job. He could see the great changes on them. He said that UIC emphasized in the quality and psychology development of the student, and advocated the concept of servant leadership. He was glad to see the students growing up into people who care a lot about other people, their family, and the society, and are willing to take responsibility and make contribution.
