OMY: Li Min Xian’s Heartfelt Letter About Gratitude and University Life

Our One More Year Scholarship Program (OMY) partners with the Shenzhen Charity Federation to support 500 qualified girls (and some boys) for “One More Year” in senior high school. If they are successful in meeting the scholarship requirements, we will continue to support them until they graduate. Know more about OMY here.

We heard from the girls themselves, and we are dedicated to sharing their story—in their own words. Li Min Xian is one of the girls we helped through this program, and she was generous enough to send us a letter about her experiences and gratitude.

Experience of University Life

“Before entering university on September 30, 2024, everyone said the university was very easy, that you didn’t have to do much and had plenty of free time. But the reality is different; university is like stepping into a small society where you need high emotional intelligence to handle interpersonal relationships.

My first impression of the university is that our campus is very large; it takes 15 minutes to walk from the dormitory to the teaching building and 10 minutes to the cafeteria. In university, I realized that loneliness is a normal state, but adapting to loneliness is quite challenging. Eating alone, attending classes alone, walking alone, and picking up packages alone have all become normal.

Before starting here, I looked forward to this life, thinking I would have a group of friends to sit next to class and spend my free time with. Now, I realize that everything is often done alone—but I’ll get used to it. As long as I enrich myself slowly, I will eventually meet like-minded people. Even if I don’t, that’s okay; after all, strong people are often lonely. I thought to myself, That’s okay, improving myself is much more valuable than fitting in with others.

I joined the university’s Youth Volunteer Association, the activity department of the student union, and the publicity department of my college, while also serving as the class representative! Although it’s busy, I feel fulfilled. In this process, I’ve learned how to allocate my time reasonably and plan effectively, and I’ve picked up many skills I hadn’t had before! I consider myself lucky because my classmates and roommates are easy to get along with! We usually eat together, attend classes together, and participate in activities together.

The subject teachers are different from those in high school, but what remains unchanged is their role in teaching us knowledge and skills. I’ve learned that studying truly requires self-discipline in university. Teachers simply lecture without pausing to wait for you like in high school. You have to find materials, review them, and memorize them on your own. After all, success favors those who are prepared. Some students are slacking off while others are studying hard. Although my major courses are challenging, I’ve chosen this path, and I must persevere. My major course instructor said, “You need to learn to study and think independently; thinking is like swimming; those who haven’t learned don’t like it, but those who have, do well.”

My high school teacher also told me, “To bear the crown, one must bear its weight.” Therefore, I must not let myself down or disappoint those who have high expectations of me. I need to overcome difficulties to see hope.

One more way I’ve realized that university is vastly different from high school: there are many delicious foods here! Far more than the options in the high school cafeteria, and I can finally order takeout! University classes are indeed less frequent; some mornings have only two classes. The high school teachers didn’t lie, but what they didn’t mention is that two classes can take up an entire morning.

I’m studying Preschool Education at the Teacher Education College, which is a four-year full-time program, and I will spend the next four years living in the dormitory with my roommates! The content of this major is extensive. I have evening self-study sessions from Sunday to Thursday, daily early classes starting at eight, and the dormitory is locked at eleven. The Teacher Education College conducts nightly checks, which to some extent regulates our behavior as we enter university.

We learn skills related to arts, such as fine arts, piano, music, dance, and digital literacy, as well as specialized courses, particularly in physical education, in accordance with national regulations to strengthen our physical fitness! I believe this isn’t a bad thing for me because I not only have to study but also utilize my time to participate in various activities, volunteer work, lectures, and competitions—forgetting about exercise is also not an option!

The thing I look forward to most every day is mealtime because there are so many delicious options. Who would have thought I’m a hidden foodie? Nearly two months into the semester, I’ve found that even in university, students can fall asleep in class. During breaks, some students lay their heads down on their desks, and those who don’t sleep in class are busy looking at their phones. Students don’t have to worry about teachers confiscating their phones anymore; after class, many are glued to their devices. Activities can be hard to get into, credits are hard to earn, and each day is filled with receiving messages, endless meetings, and completing assignments. I can even sleep in on my days off, and there are no fixed mealtimes, nor is there a designated lights-out time in the dorm.

When I have class, I’m in the classroom; when I don’t, I’m either in the dormitory or cafeteria. Every day, I’m forced to run three kilometers during the long run under the sun, and on weekends, there’s little time for leisure; instead, I’m busy with assignments and organizing my things while handling various people and matters. Each day is hectic, and I’ve been up later than I ever was in high school, but I still don’t know what I’m busy with. I feel confused by the daily grind. My friends tell me, “This is just the beginning of our university life; we are not yet the people we will become.” I feel that way too, so I need to plan my university life well and be someone who is organized!”

My Gratitude

“I am sincerely filled with joy! Before I was accepted into college, I was constantly worried about whether I would be able to attend because of my financial issues. Each time I receive that generous scholarship, tears would well up in my eyes, and my heart felt a mix of sweetness and bitterness. That support was not just financial aid; it was an affirmation and encouragement for my life dreams. It made me deeply feel the unity and strength of society and the warmth and care of humanity, as well as the support of national policies for students like me.

I come from a remote rural family with many members and limited financial resources. My parents work tirelessly, yet it’s still a struggle to cover my tuition and our household expenses. In the quiet of night, I often feel lost and worried about the future. However, fate opened a window of opportunity when I needed help the most—I was fortunate to receive support from Captivating, which illuminated my path forward like a beam of light. I understand that this generosity represents the hard work and selfless contributions of countless caring individuals. Their kindness makes me believe that even coming from a poor background, as long as I study hard and persevere, I can change my destiny and realize my life’s value.

Now, I have successfully taken the first step by getting into university through my efforts, but this is not my endpoint! During my time at university, I will work even harder, actively participate in various academic activities and social practices, and strive to enhance my overall quality and abilities. I know that every penny represents someone’s hard work. When I receive that deep love from the leaders, I make a firm resolution to work even harder, to live up to the expectations and encouragement from national policies, caring individuals in society, my family, and my teachers! Whenever I encounter difficulties and challenges, I will think of the support and the expectations behind them, which gives me the determination and motivation to overcome any obstacle and boosts my confidence in facing life.

Here, I sincerely express my gratitude: thank you for your heartfelt support in helping me grow; I will always remember it.”

Reading this sincere and heartfelt letter from Li Min Xian is truly one of the most rewarding things about the work that we do in Captivating. We thank her heart and her dreams that make us believe that a girl will reach her full potential when allowed to pursue education. Her happiness would not have been possible if it had not been for the help of our donors and partners.

We will continue to share stories like hers!