Many experiences fade from memory over time. There are always characters and moments, however, that linger in our minds.
Today I want to share two unforgettable stories from my time studying at the OUC.

Zhu Jiele, male, 28 years old, Administration major at the Shanghai branch of the Open University of China (OUC)

Because of personal matters I had had to deal with, I arrived at my first Environmental Protection class after it had already ended. When I walked into the classroom, I thought it was the wrong place, since no one was there except the teacher, Mr. Wang, arranging his materials. He had finished class and was ready to leave. I knocked on the door gently and said: "Sorry, Sir, I'm late." Mr. Wang raised his head and said, "Just arrived?" I scratched my head, embarrassed. "I’m late because I had family issues." He smiled and said, "Come in then. I’ve just finished class." Since nobody else was in the classroom, I demurred. "Oh, no, Mr. Wang. You`ve already finished. I’ll go back home." "It's okay. Have a seat. I'll give you a brief lecture." "But it feels so inappropriate for you to give me a lesson alone!" "It’s OK. You deserve it." With that Mr. Wang began his second lesson of the afternoon. His lecture was lively, interesting and rich. He lectured on the environment and on how to live in an environmentally-friendly way. Seeing how interested I was, he continued for two hours, and his professional dedication deeply impressed me. Subsequent contact showed me that he is a very witty and warm person who likes to talk about life and study with his students. Under his influence, I gained a new understanding of my studies and life. I was proud of having a teacher like him.
At the OUC, I not only had teachers who deeply touched me, but also classmates I shall never forget.
I don't like the winter cold, and I remember once, when it was snowing heavily, that I rushed to class without having had breakfast. In the classroom I felt colder and colder, and complained to the class WeChat group: "What terrible weather. I really can't stand this. I'm freezing and starving!" A few minutes later, someone replied. "What do you want to eat? I'll bring you something. I`m going to class right now. Do you want some soya-bean milk?" We were classmates, but with more than 200 people in the class, I didn`t know many of them. I thought this person was just being polite, and would not really buy breakfast for me at all. During the break, however, a male student whom I didn't even know walked into the classroom with a plastic bag and asked: "Who said that he or she had no breakfast just now?" I was astonished, and warm with gratitude. "You were serious! I don’t even know your name, but you bought breakfast for me. I really appreciate your kindness. Thank you very much!" "You're welcome. My name is Zhang Yong. Now that we know each other now we can help each other more in the future." What I felt at that moment was like the warmth of the winter sun. Later we became good friends, and our friendship made the winter no longer seem so cold.
At the OUC, teachers feel genuine affection for their students, and students help each other. My two and a half years of studies flew by, but the things that happened are still fresh in my memory. My ties of friendship with teachers and classmates will always stay in my mind!
(This speech won second prize in the OUC “My Learning Story” speech contest.)

By OUC