Vocational School Freshman in Shanghai

Leaving Home on a Train for School

“One big leap – I would never have imagined this”

This semester forty-three Butuo “Yi” students travelled to Shanghai to continue their schooling. Many of them have never left Butuo not even to Xichang which is only 100 km away. But now they made the 2500 km trip to the big city, Shanghai – the metropolis they’ve only seen on television up to now.

On August 16, the students came to the office in Xichang with their backpacks to register and have their photos taken. Fu Hui Director Michael Ma who often travels to Shanghai was on hand to share with the new students experiences of the other Fu Hui senior students who have been studying in Shanghai.

Since the first Liangshan students went to Shanghai for school, teacher Mr. Ho has been there supporting them. In school he is the teacher, in life he is a father figure. He stood in line in the hot sun to buy the students’ train tickets. He looked after every detail to ensure their safety. Mr. Ho entertained the students with stories about Shanghai, firing up their curiosity. He also encouraged them to be each other’s support.

Teacher Ms. Hu was in charge of last year’s graduating Fu Hui class. Nineteen of her students were going to Shanghai. Like a doting mother watching her own babies leave home, she hoped that the students will soon learn hygiene and daily grooming for a smooth transition.

Mr. Luo is a professor at Xichang College, and a “Yi” scholar. He analyzed all aspects of city life to ensure these “Yi” students are well informed with strategies to cope with living in the city. He also shared his own experience adapting in the city. He advises the students that regardless of what may happen in the future, they need to have gratitude. Be grateful that many people have contributed much to help them succeed.

“This is how you are leaving home. Remember your happy smiles – may you return home a brand new person!”