Before reading this article, I would like you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also can bring you a different sense of participation, thank you for your support!
Text | Freedom in the rising sun
Edit | Freedom in the rising sun
"Yunli, you must get out of the mountains and go to the outside world." Teacher Zhang Guimei's words were still in her ears, but Zhou Yunli stood on the podium of Huaping Women's High School, looking at the immature faces under the stage. What did she go through that made her go against her teacher's instructions and choose a completely different path in life?
The path of a girl in a mountain village
Zhou Yunli was born in a remote mountain village in Huaping County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. The mountains here are far away, the transportation is inconvenient, and the villagers have been farming for generations. Zhou Yunli's father suffered from polio, her mother died early, and the burden of the family fell on the shoulders of her and her sister Zhou Yuncui.
In this small mountain village, where patriarchal attitudes are deeply entrenched, it is often difficult for girls to continue their education. Although Zhou Yunli's father is not in good health, he attaches great importance to the education of his daughters. He always said to Zhou Yunli: "No matter how hard it is, I have to let you study." In order to raise money for tuition, my father did not hesitate to borrow money from all over the world, and even sold the only valuable items in the market.
Zhou Yunli's sister Zhou Yuncui took the initiative to give up the opportunity to go to school in order to let her sister continue her studies, and went out to work to make money. Zhou Yunli's sister's sacrifice made Zhou Yunli feel pressured, and she secretly vowed to study hard and live up to her family's expectations.
However, as the school progresses, the financial pressure on the family increases. After graduating from junior high school, Zhou Yunli was faced with the difficult choice of whether to continue her education. It was at this time that a free girls' high school was established in Huaping County, which gave Zhou Yunli and many poor girls like her hope to continue their education.
Meet someone who changes your fate
In 2008, Huaping Girls' Senior High School was officially established. The founder of this school is Ms. Zhang Guimei. Teacher Zhang saw the educational plight of the local girls and was determined to create an opportunity for them to change their lives.
Zhou Yunli clearly remembers the first time she met Teacher Zhang Guimei. It was a hot summer day, and Mr. Zhang was wearing simple clothes, his hair was a little messy, and he had a tired but determined look on his face. She took Zhou Yunli's hand affectionately and said, "Child, as long as you are willing to learn, our school welcomes you." Don't worry about tuition, our school is free. "
This sentence was like a ray of sunshine shining into Zhou Yunli's gray heart. For the first time, she felt that there were still people who were willing to help her unconditionally and support her to continue her studies. From that moment on, Zhou Yunli made up her mind to study hard and live up to Teacher Zhang's expectations.
Tough but wonderful high school years
The conditions at the beginning of the establishment of Huaping Girls' High School were very difficult. The school has only one school building, no separate canteen and dormitory, and students have to borrow facilities from the school next door. The playground is also not completely hardened, and it can become muddy on rainy days.
However, these difficulties did not defeat Zhou Yunli and her classmates. Under the leadership of teacher Zhang Guimei, everyone worked together to overcome difficulties. Teacher Zhang often uses revolutionary stories and red songs to boost the morale of the students and help them through difficult times.
Zhou Yunli recalled: "Although the living conditions were difficult at that time, our hearts were full of hope. Teacher Zhang is like a bright light, illuminating our way forward. In such an environment, Zhou Yunli has developed a tenacious character and the habit of studying hard.
In three years of high school life, Zhou Yunli was hungry for knowledge. Not only did she excel in her studies, but she also actively participated in various school activities and gradually grew into a well-rounded girl. During the college entrance examination, Zhou Yunli was admitted to Yunnan Normal University with excellent results, realizing her dream of going out of the mountains.
When she was about to graduate, Teacher Zhang Guimei said to Zhou Yunli earnestly: "Yunli, you have to remember that when you go out, don't look back." The world out there is a big one, and there are more opportunities waiting for you. Zhou Yunli nodded solemnly in agreement, but there was a ripple in her heart.
Unexpected life choices
In the four years of college, Zhou Yunli was like a fish in water, she not only had excellent academic performance, but also actively participated in various social practice activities, which broadened her horizons. However, every time she returns to her hometown and sees those villagers who are still struggling in poverty, her heart is always full of contradictions and uneasiness.
In 2015, Zhou Yunli is about to graduate. She successfully passed the teacher qualification examination and obtained the teaching establishment of a middle school in the county. This should have been gratifying news, but Zhou Yunli fell into a deep entanglement.
It was then that she learned that her alma mater, Huaping Girls' High School, was facing a shortage of teachers, especially math teachers. A strong impulse suddenly surged in Zhou Yunli's heart. She recalled her bits and pieces at Huaping Girls' High School, the earnest teachings of Teacher Zhang Guimei, and the students who had similar experiences to herself.
After a fierce ideological struggle, Zhou Yunli made a decision that surprised everyone: she wanted to return to Huaping Girls' High School to teach, even if she could only be a temporary teacher.
When Zhou Yunli expressed this idea to Teacher Zhang Guimei, Teacher Zhang was both moved and surprised. She said, "Yunli, didn't you promise me to go out?" The outside world is so big, why come back? "
Zhou Yunli replied firmly: "Teacher Zhang, without Huaping Girls' High School, there would be no me today." I want to come back and help students like me and my sister. I know this may not be what you want to see, but it's a deliberate decision. "
Teacher Zhang Guimei was silent for a long time, and finally patted Zhou Yunli lightly on the shoulder and said, "Since this is your choice, then stick to it." Education needs young people like you who have ideals and responsibilities. "
Inheritance and innovation
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Zhou Yunli has been teaching at Huaping Girls' High School for seven years. In the past seven years, she has not only made remarkable achievements in teaching, but also has her own thinking and innovation in educational concepts.
Standing on the podium, looking at the hopeful faces under the stage, Zhou Yunli's heart was full of joy and responsibility. She did not follow Zhang Guimei's advice to leave her hometown, but chose to return to her alma mater to teach. This seemingly "rebellious" decision allowed her to find the meaning and value of life.
I don't know what you think about this? Welcome to leave your thoughts in the comment area below, if you like the article, remember to like and follow us, see you next time.
(Disclaimer) The process and pictures described in the article are from the Internet, and this article aims to advocate positive social energy and no vulgar and other bad guidance. If it involves copyright or character infringement issues, please contact us in time, and we will delete the content as soon as possible! If there is any doubt about the incident, it will be deleted or changed immediately after contact.