[Vietnam] Nguyễn Khánh Huyền, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
We experience setbacks and hardships together with the belief that there will be sunshine and flowers at the end of the journey.
The beginning of 2020 was unforgettable for every one. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly swept us like a storm without any early notification. I still remembered how I felt on January 23 when Wuhan announced to lock down the city and fight against the pandemic.
At the first, there was sadness in Wuhan because we were all upset and at a loss about how the pandemic would end. Life at the beginning of the lockdown was nervous and boring.
We could stay only at our dormitories and browse latest news online. Seeing that the number of being infected and dead increased every day, we were full of anxiety and fear.
The increased number of death and all the pictures in black-and-white made us deeply depressed. We felt like being disconnected to the outside real world because of lockdown.
In Wuhan, there were lots of moving stories. The university staff and teachers took turns to be on duty to keep us safe even in weekends and holidays. International students volunteered to help us for daily supplies and psychological relax.
Teachers and students were organized into a WeChat “hand-in-hand” group to help each other and share information. Every need even a pen or a book would be addressed by the university.
This was the first time on this foreign land that I experienced such warm care from other people in this cold winter and I was deeply moved.
On February 14, the Valentine’s Day, people in Jilin Province dispatched 500 tons of medical supplies to Hubei, which we called “the Valentine’s Day Gift of One Thousand Tons.” Doctors at the frontiers were fighting against the pandemic all the time.
Every people, no matter how seemingly unimportant, was carrying with them a strong and great will for victory over the pandemic. They were soldiers in peace time and they contributed a lot to the final victory of winning the pandemic.
Staying in Wuhan, I witnessed how the whole China and the whole world was extending their hands to help Wuhan. My gratitude and appreciation were beyond words. I could say nothing besides a simple “thank you” and shed tears.
In Wuhan, there were lots of exciting stories. We kept wearing masks, doing infection routines and studying in our apartments. We kept encouraging each other and doing our best to help with the fight until the final victory came. Millions of excellent medical expertise came to Wuhan to keep us safe and healthy.
Though confronting with danger and difficulties, they showed no sign of depression. We heard more and more exciting and encouraging stories and news. Makeshift hospitals were closed one by one and more and more infected patients were getting well and discharged from hospitals.
Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, all efforts were joined together and there was no differentiation between geographic regions, nationalities, religions, skin colors or languages. The whole world was marching toward the same destination, that is, to win the pandemic. After hearing this, are you as excited as I am?
Now Wuhan has passed its darkest hours and is welcoming its warm spring. This reminds me of a famous Vietnam saying, “Today is hard, so is tomorrow. However, the day after tomorrow must be beautiful."
Such confidence in the future supports everyone. No matter what difficulties and hardships we are facing, we will sure believe the dawn is coming and the first sign of light will break the darkness of the night.
Let me end my writing with a Chinese song — Keep Going Wuhan written by one of myVietnamese fellows for each of you who read my writing.
Keep going Wuhan
You are the most beautiful flower
In full blossom in the world
Those who love you are concerned about you
Remember to smile
The love from Spring is sprouting
Finally into all savors of life, sour, sweet, bitter and spicy
The sunshine will shine through the shade
Millions of stars will light up the sky
Millions of love will brighten the world
One star breaking through the sky
Cannot block the light though very beautiful
Friends and families in Wuhan, close to each other, we never fear hardships
Shoulder by shoulder, hand in hand, say good-bye to this episode
Heroes are coming, with full love
Wait until spring when it is warm and flowers are blossoming, let’s toast to thank for all the care we have been receiving
The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).
