JANE

   On March 24, the Beijing Olympic Torch was lighted. I heard of the news a few months before, but didn’t plan to watch it on tv. But after I finished studying and was heading for the canteen, I suddenly found the big screen hanging in the front of the canteen was broadcasting the ceremony, so I decided to stay and witness the great moment.

   It was very windy and cold that day. Many people standing in front of the big screen gave up because of the chilly wind, but I endured cold weather and my protesting stomach and carried on. The ceremony was quite long. I stood there for almost an hour watching those Greek actresses’ performance. It was quite formal and everyone was quiet. Finally the great moment came. A strong sense of pride ascended from my heart as I watched the priestess lighted the torch. I always believe I am a patriot, but I seldom feel so proud being a Chinese. Plus, the day before the torch was lighted was my birthday, which made me feel more special.

     I went to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Core-Volunteer Foreign Languages Winter Training Camp during the first week of our winter break. It was pretty much a coincidence that I could go there, and I had doubt before I made that decision since I had no idea what it would be like. But I don’t regret going there.

     Actually I didn’t learn much during that week since they just taught some very basic things of English, like pronunciation. What impressed me most was the atmosphere and the friendships we formed. The teachers were so enthusiastic, it’s totally beyond your imagination. We got up at around six in the morning, then an unimaginable busy day started. We had to get to the classroom before seven, then it’s morning exercise time, mostly jogging,  under the leadership of an “officer”. It was a semi-military winter camp. Even when we went to the canteen we marched in procession. We had four quizzes each day, before the three meals and one before going back to dorm at around 9:40 pm. Very tight timetable indeed.

     Thought it was not that comfortable living there, a suburban university of Beijing, I enjoyed it. Even when I met a stranger in the canteen or down the hallway we usually would smile at each other. It’s such a wonderful experience. We learned we are not just volunteers of the Beijing Olympics, we are also the face of China.

     As the Olympics approaching, China will be under unprecedented scrutiny in many aspects, such as economical, social, environmental, ethical etc. Meanwhile, criticism will follow.

     Consumers are already concerned about “Made in China”, since it seems there’s no safety guaranty as long as the products are produced in China. And employees’ working conditions are also “very concerned indeed”. Companies linked to China through their supply chains start to think about whether this connection will harm their brand. The answer depends on the brand itself, its involvement with China and how China and the company will respond to the increasing doubt. If China can reassure consumers by implementing credible audit systems things will become better.

     Two people added their experience and opinions below this article. Some are true I believe, but some are just totally bias. We admit that we still have a lot of problems that are waiting to be solved, but we also see the prejudice and antagonism against China. We will do our best not only to present splendid Games but also a modern, independent and strong China.