Volunteer Journey: My Story in Youth Volunteer Association
Chen Zhenyu
I’m Chen Zhenyu, a 2021 undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at Peking University. I'm also the president of our college’s Youth Volunteer Association, where I’ve found a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to serving others.
My journey with volunteering began when I was just a kid. Inspired by the Confucian classic Book of Rites that, “When the Great Way bears sway, the world’s affairs would be conducted for the public benefit only”, I’ve been passionate about volunteering activities. I’ve spent countless hours volunteering at nursing homes, bringing smiles to the faces of the elderly, and organizing libraries, making knowledge more accessible to everyone.
(I’m providing support to left-behind children in rural areas.)
When I arrived at Peking University, I jumped right into more volunteering. I helped welcome new students, assisted at marathons, and participated in anti-fraud lectures. Through these diverse activities, I met many fellow volunteers and outstanding senior volunteers who became my mentors and friends. Their support made me feel right at home in CCME, and this sense of belonging further strengthened my resolve to join our college’s Youth Volunteer Association.
(Me and my fellow volunteers at the Opening Ceremony.)
(Organizing welcome packages for the incoming freshmen.)
(Volunteering at the Anti-Fraud Lectures)
In 2022, I joined the Youth Volunteer Association and started getting involved in planning volunteer activities. We were responsible for assigning positions to each volunteer, preparing necessary materials, and anticipating potential emergencies before events began. It could be tough, but every time we saw the joy on teachers’ and students’ smiling faces, and saw each volunteer enjoying their role, our efforts felt completely worthwhile.I believe that volunteer service isn’t just a one-way act of giving by volunteers; it’s also a warm, reciprocal interaction between volunteers and those they assist!
(Selecting postcards as rewards for the volunteers.)
(Caring for children at the kindergarten, we both felt happy and fulfilled.)
In 2023, we launched the “Chemistry Science Popularization Team”, encouraging chemistry students to turn their expertise into fascinating chemistry experiment demonstrations in primary and secondary schools in Beijing. By showcasing captivating experimental phenomena, explaining the science in simple and accessible language, and sharing stories of chemistry scientists, we aimed to ignite the students' curiosity about chemistry.
(Explaining the scientific principles behind the experiment)
(Performing a chemical magic trick: The disappearing writing.)
(Experiment can ignite the spark of scientific curiosity for children)
Through these volunteer activities, I've also met friends from all over the world. Despite our different personalities, lifestyles, and hobbies, it is volunteering that brought us together. It enriched my college life in ways I never imagined before!
(Explaining the principles for students from NTU, Singapore.)
(Me and my volunteer friend danced our hearts out on the sports field.)
(I performed on stage with friends I met through volunteer activities.)
(We triedtraditional Chinese ink painting together.)
Through my volunteer service activities, my wholehearted dedication has not only reaped rich rewards but also led to significant personal growth in various aspects. I was honored as one of the 7th National Outstanding Mental Health Advocate, the Top 100 Volunteers at Peking University in 2023, and the “Chemistry Science Popularization Team” was recognized as one of the Top 10 Volunteer Activities at Peking University.
(We received commendations from Peking University!)
(I’m sharing my volunteer experience on stage.)
In the end, I hope everyone can join us in more volunteer activities. Volunteering has not only helped others but also helped me become a better person. Let's work together to make life in the College of Chemistry more colorful and meaningful!
