Jeff Chien Volunteering Thoughts

The Centennial Auditorium immediately caught my attention as I was cruising around campus the day I arrived to Peking University. Its structural majesty appeared to be solemn yet inviting to me at the time, and little could I imagine that I would actually be a part of this historical Beida symbol just weeks later.

I was already a regular at the auditorium well before I became a volunteer. Peking University provided its students as well as the public with a wide selection of arts and entertainments which I fully took advantage of. Classical symphony, Chinese acrobat shows, as well as blockbuster movies all came at jaw-dropping, student-friendly low prices. So when I realized that I could actually become a volunteer for this auditorium which I’ve grown to love, it was obvious for my to apply. Fortunately, I was able to get accepted despite the rigorous selection and officially joined the crew of the Centennial Auditorium volunteering elites.

The benefits of becoming a volunteer are far than I could have ever imagined. Indeed, I received more than I offered in this case. The memory of the welcoming Mid-Autumn day party for the incoming volunteers still seemed vivid to me. It was the very first time which I got to meet the others, and we all got off to a good start right from the get go. The teachers were all so thoughtful and friendly as they pampered us with warm greetings as well as seasonal delicacies. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know everyone better not only during our times together at work, but also through activities and outing such as our trips to the Fragrance mountain and Bai-Won hill. And who can forget about the infamous “Report”, which is translated to volunteering leaders treating their group members to meals after work.

To me, volunteering at the Centennial auditorium is far more than just a free pass to all the great shows: It is a way for an exchange student like me to get a sense of family from the friends I’ve made here, and for me to give back a little to Peking University which has given me so much.

 

Jeff Chien

钱慰祖

老志愿者

美国留学生