Falling in Love with a Small School in China

Ashley Nall | April 7, 2008

Ashley Nall, in back row, and two fellow UCSD students, play with pupils at a Chinese school.

Back in the fall, when I met fellow group members of Alternative Spring Break China, I had no idea that they would turn out to be some of the most amazing and caring people I have ever had the privilege to be friends with.

Before I could blink it was spring break. I was finished with finals and sitting on a plane, on my way to the other side of the world. On our first day in Xi’an, we made our way through dirt alleyways and dilapidated buildings, dodging stray dogs to reach the Zhongbuzi Primary School, where we would volunteer for a week.

When we arrived, the students and the staff were ecstatic to meet us, as it was the first time they had ever received volunteer help. The kids were especially adorable -- arguably the most adorable in the whole world. We were informed by the headmaster that the school was constructed over a landfill and in the morning, as we began digging holes to plant trees around the perimeter, we hit bricks and trash only a few inches down.

After lunch we went inside to help teach the third- and fourth-graders songs and crafts. Most of these children have never left the Xi’an Province, let alone ever met a foreigner. They were so fascinated with us and eager to learn the English language.

The entire crew of Alternative Break China strikes a pose in front of a soccer goal they built.

The first night back at the apartment was very difficult for me. I already had fallen in love with all of the kids and was heartbroken at the condition of their school. I kept thinking that this never would be allowed in the United States. But at the same time I realized that even in such conditions, these children were genuinely happy. It was truly inspiring to see how much enjoyment they got out of a school that could provide so little.

Every day that week we did our best to live in the moment and cherish our time with the students. Even when we were exhausted from a morning of sightseeing, being with the kids replenished our energy once more. We played soccer and duck-duck goose, taught cheerleading, learned Chinese games and laughed until we cried. By the last day, we had grown incredibly close to the students and the teachers. The school held a goodbye ceremony where we were able to get together with the kids and perform all the songs and games from the week (they were obsessed with the hokey pokey).

Two of the students at the Chinese school where Nall volunteered.

After the ceremony, the students waited to walk us through the alley, all the way back to our van. They begged us to stay. The final goodbyes were quite emotional to say the least. I cannot put in words how we felt leaving the school. It is amazing what a connection you can make with people even without a common language. Every hug, smile, game, laugh was our own special way of communicating.  We showed those kids that there were people that cared enough about them to travel halfway around the world to help their little school.

In the end, our experience in China taught us more then we could ever give. The beautiful children and staff of the Zhongbuzi Primary School showed us that even a dirt lot can be the best playground in the world if it’s filled with laughter and love.

Related links:

Going Far, Doing Good Main Page

Making Twelve Best Friends in One Week

Alternative Breaks Web site