大学的军训心得第8天 - A Glimpse into Military Training at Chinese Universities

By the Editor of www.lxs.net, for our international students community

As we venture into the eighth day of military training (军训, Jūnxùn), it's time to reflect on the journey so far. For many of you, this might be your first experience with such an intense and structured program. Let’s dive into some of the key moments, lessons learned, and personal growth that have come from these past few days.

Day 1: The Unexpected Welcome

Stepping onto campus, the air was thick with anticipation. The first day of military training brought a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a dash of uncertainty. As international students, we were greeted by a sea of unfamiliar faces, all clad in uniform. The initial drills were basic but required immediate focus. Marching in formation (队列训练, Duìliè xùnlìan) wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed, and we quickly learned the importance of teamwork and communication.

Day 2: The Language Barrier

Language became a significant hurdle early on. The instructors’ commands in Mandarin (普通话, Putōnghuà) were often fast-paced and technical. However, we found creative ways to bridge the gap—using gestures, mimicking peers, and relying on visual cues. By the end of the day, we had picked up quite a few new phrases, including “at ease” (稍息, Shāoxī) and “attention” (立正, Lìzhèng).

Day 3: Physical Challenges

The physical demands of training began to take their toll. Long hours of standing in the sun, rigorous exercises like push-ups (俯卧撑, Fǔwòzhēng), and running (跑步, Pǎobù) tested our endurance. But amidst the sweat and exhaustion, there was a sense of camaraderie that grew stronger each day. We learned to support one another through the tough moments, which made the experience more bearable.

Day 4: Cultural Insights

Military training isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s also an opportunity to gain insight into Chinese culture. Through discussions and lectures, we learned about the history and significance of the People’s Liberation Army (中国人民解放军, Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn). Understanding the values and traditions behind the training helped us appreciate its deeper meaning beyond the surface-level activities.

Day 5: Personal Growth

Halfway through the week, we started noticing changes within ourselves. Confidence levels rose, and self-discipline improved. Simple tasks like making our beds (整理内务, Zhěnglǐ nèiwù) with precision or keeping our living quarters tidy became second nature. These small victories translated into a newfound sense of pride and accomplishment.

Day 6: Breaking Barriers

By now, language barriers were breaking down. Conversations with fellow trainees flowed more naturally, and we found common ground in shared experiences. This not only enhanced our language skills but also fostered friendships that transcended cultural differences. It was heartening to see how far we’d come in such a short time.

Day 7: Reflections

As the penultimate day arrived, there was a mix of relief and sadness. Reflecting on the journey, we realized how much we’d grown both individually and as a group. The challenges faced and overcome together created a bond that would last long after the training ended. We wrote down our thoughts and exchanged contact information, promising to keep in touch.

Day 8: Closing Ceremony

The final day culminated in a closing ceremony (结业典礼, Jiéyè dǎnlǐ). Family members and friends gathered to witness the parade and demonstrations. Seeing the progress we’d made over the past week, showcased through synchronized marching and drills, was incredibly rewarding. The applause and cheers filled us with a sense of achievement.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Now that military training is over, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned. Beyond the physical conditioning and discipline, we gained invaluable life skills—perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork. These lessons will undoubtedly serve us well in our academic pursuits and beyond. As we embark on this new chapter of university life, let’s carry forward the spirit of unity and determination instilled during those eight days of training.

For our international students, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Embrace the experiences that come your way, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Here’s to a successful academic year ahead!