By Gao Liang
"My mum, a medical worker at Ruijin Hospital, has been fighting on the front line of the epidemic since March, working morning and evening shifts with erratic working hours. My dad has been isolated in Yangpu because his workplace was closured and controlled, while taking care of my grandmother. These days, I have to live alone in Pudong by myself."
In the midst of the epidemic, Chen Wenbin, a student of grade three in the High school Affiliated to University of Finance and Economics, has undergone a "big independent test". While many students can enjoy the care of their parents and a good meal, he has to face various difficulties in his studies and life alone.
The sudden closure and control caught Chen Wenbin off guard. With the extended isolation period, the three meals a day became Chen Wenbin's biggest problem.
"I was actually particularly frustrated at the beginning because not only did I have to study online, but I also had to maintain my livelihood problems. Luckily, I got timely help from my school teachers as well as the community council, while with the help of my neighbors, I joined various group buying groups and gradually bought more supplies to solve my material problems." Chen Wenbin said.
The most memorable event for Chen Wenbin was when his neighbors in the flat spontaneously collected supplies for him after learning about his situation. "When I heard the knock on the door and opened the room to see the floor covered with vegetables and fruits from my neighbors, I still remember how moved I was. I kept thanking them and they even told me to communicate in time when I encountered problems and that we would all work together to find a solution."
Chen Wenbin's class teacher and school psychology counsellor have also been with him during this period, giving him more attention and "recharging his mind" when he lives alone at home.
"The situation now is a test for him and he has to face it bravely, and it has enabled him to stand on his own and work through some difficulties in his life on his own. I have found that he has grown up a lot during this epidemic." Class teacher Zhang Weiyan said.
While taking care of himself, Chen Wenbin was also very concerned about his family and whether his mother, who was fighting on the "epidemic" line, was at risk of infection, and whether she was taking care of herself while working overtime every day. He also worried about how well his grandmother, who had just undergone a major operation, was recovering; and whether his dad was resting well while he was working around the clock to look after her…Epidemic prevention and control brought hardship to life, but the warmth of the neighborhood and the love of the teachers were the best consolation. In Chen Wenbin's view, there will be many difficulties in life, and all one has to do is to stay positive and optimistic. "For me, with the college entrance examination coming up, I should do my share of studying and live up to the trust of those who have loved me and helped me."