Editor's note: In the Gengzi New Year, a war without arms started nationwide. At a time when families should be reunited, a group of OUC students mobilised to help Wuhan and rescue patients there!

The white-robed angels whose deeds have moved people all over the country say: "We are called "warriors", but have chosen this profession, and it is our duty to help fight the epidemic! We shall dedicate ourselves to the interests of the country over our personal interests".

Why are so many taking part in this struggle? Let's pay tribute to them, and tell their stories.

More than 30 Nursing majors from the Open Education School, Wuhan Branch, of the Open University of China (OUC), are fighting on the front lines to contain the COVID-19 epidemic, in the Wuhan No.4 Hospital, Zhongshan Hospital, Wuhan Asia General Hospital, and other community hospitals. Let's hear from these students of whom their alma mater is so proud.

Liu Qiaomei, 2014 Nursing undergraduate

I am working in the Gutian area of the Wuhan No. 4 Hospital, which is one of the second group of hospitals designated for treatment of patients diagnosed with coronavirus pneumonia. I am assigned to work in a temporary structure. On the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, I worked from 8:00 am until 1:30 am the next day, and didn’t leave until I had finished handing over of all my patients. My husband is a doctor at this hospital, but in a different department. We both live in isolation in a hotel, and can't go home. We are separated from our children and the rest of our families, and can only communicate with them by video.

At first there was a shortage of materials, but help has since come in from all sides, especially the civil sector, and results are being achieved. When some people learned that heaters were not allowed on the ward, they donated down coats to protect us from the cold, while others sent us instant noodles and bread. Since we can't go home, companies volunteered accommodation near our work places. Despite the difficulties, we are moved, and I wish to do my part to help my patients recover quickly.

Xiong Xi, 2018 Nursing undergraduate

I am at the hospital affiliated with the Wuhan University of Science and Technology. We are not assigned to any specific department. Everyone here works in shifts, and it is hard work. But it is our responsibility, and I will go all out! There are several big markets near our hospital, which puts a lot of pressure on our prevention and control efforts. Staff are on duty 24 hours a day in the respiratory clinic and CT room. I am now in the hemodialysis department, and we receive patients from a nearby tertiary hospital. At present 16 dialysis machines are working 24 hours a day. I worked 17 hours in a row the day before yesterday. I am separated from my family, but hope to have a happy reunion with them soon. Chins up, everyone, and solidarity with Wuhan!

Ni Huan, 2017 Nursing junior-college student

I am at the Liujiaoting community-health centre in Qiaokou District. I mainly carry out triage work on neighbourhood residents with fever. We are short of protective clothing and masks, and have only a few goggles, which are disinfected using alcohol wipes and reused. Our leaders are still trying to find us better equipment. Although the patients we contact are not confirmed cases, quite a few of them are highly likely to be carrying the illness. At present, no one here has been infected. However, I hope caring people will donate medical equipment to keep us safe.

Zhou Xuejun, 2015 Nursing undergraduate

I am in the emergency department of the Wuhan Asia General Hospital, where I started working on the first day in the Chinese Lunar New Year. I live in the hospital every day. It's very hard, but it's my responsibility. Stay positive, Wuhan! Things will get better!

Yang Chenxi, 2018 Nursing undergraduate

I am in a hospital designated for people with fever. At first, I was not assigned a front-line job, but was designated for standby. My coworkers all enthusiastically signed up; we feel responsible for helping to save our city. Many of my colleagues live far away, and when the buses and subway stopped running, those with cars volunteered to drive those without. Many of my colleagues are now on the front lines, and I hope they take good care of themselves. We will certainly survive!

There are many more names that could be mentioned: Wu Lili, Zhang Yuanyuan, Huang Yi, Tang Ruiwen, Li Shan, and others.

By OUC News Network