It was six AM on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Gao Xiaofan, a student helper to the Ukrainian delegation in the Olympic Village, just finished processing an incoming work call. It was her birthday, and it probably would go unmarked as she started her daily routine. She is one of the nine hundred plus volunteers from Beijing Foreign Studies University.

“Everyone is equal and respected. We are colleagues working towards the same goal. There is no hierarchy, no pressure. This is my dream work environment”, said Che Jiayi, a fixer assigned to the U.S. delegation. The sentiments are shared by Zou Guanglin who works with the Japanese delegation. He helps them around and mingles with them like groupies, watching games together and making fun of each other. He feels he is a natural part of the team. 

It is more than an odd job for the volunteers. They all see it as an opportunity for personal growth from mere student less than one month ago to someone tested in a demanding professional environment. The range of skills they have acquired will eventually prove useful as they enter the future workforce. They have found many teachers and friends in the foreign delegations they are paired up with. 

Che Jiayi is a fixer assigned to the U.S. delegation. [Photo/beijing2022.cn]

On January 31st, while families across China follow their tradition and reunite to celebrate the New Year’s Eve, the volunteers had to stay on their posts, but their spirit was lit up by constant showing of kindness. Che Jiayi was on a bus, accompanying her ice hockey team to the venue for a training session. One athlete said to her: “I feel sorry that you can’t join your family for the Chinese New Year. But I’m sure they are proud of you.” It was a fleeting moment, but she still feels the outpouring of empathy and the close bond with them despite their nationalities. 

Zou Guanglin works with the Japanese delegation. [Photo/beijing2022.cn]

Before the opening ceremony started at 8 PM on February 4th, the volunteers were busy welcoming delegations and ushering them to their seats in the stadium, their most important responsibility on that big day. They missed the spectacle of the grand opening with its fireworks above the Birds’ Nest. “This is history in the making, and I’m part of it”, said Zou Guanglin.

Gao Xiaofan prefers a window seat from where she can observe the hues of the sky slowly going from rose pink to full gold as the sun rises. [Photo/beijing2022.cn]

On the daily bus commuting to the Olympic Village, Gao Xiaofan prefers a window seat from where she can observe the hues of the sky slowly going from rose pink to full gold as the sun rises. Their packed schedule normally leaves them little time for a regular break. 

Translated by Tang Xuewen, Ding Jiaming and Liang Xiaoqing and proofread by Zhu Yueping from Beijing Foreign Studies University