大一第5天军训体验记 - A Freshman's Day 5 Military Training Experience

As the sun rose on my fifth day of military training, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey so far. For those of you who are fellow international students (留学生们) at universities in China, this might be a new experience. Let me share some insights and stories from my own adventure, which is not just about marching and drills, but also about personal growth and cultural immersion.

Day 5: The Alarm Clock Strikes Again

The morning started with the familiar sound of the alarm clock. For international students like us, waking up early isn't always easy, especially when we're still adjusting to the time zone. But there's something about the routine that starts to feel comforting after a few days. Today was no exception.

A New Commanding Officer – CO (Commanding Officer)

Our CO for today was different. He had a strict but fair demeanor that immediately commanded respect. As an international student, it can be challenging to understand all the commands in Chinese, but our CO made sure to explain things clearly and even used some English words to help us out. It was a small gesture, but it made a big difference.

Morning Drills and Marching – The Art of Synchronization

The morning session was dedicated to drills and marching. For many of us, this was the most challenging part of the training. Trying to keep in step with everyone else while understanding the commands in a foreign language is tough. However, there's a sense of camaraderie that develops as we struggle together. We shared tips and helped each other out, making the experience more enjoyable.

Learning the Discipline – More Than Just Rules

Military training is not just about following orders; it's about learning discipline. As an international student, I've come to appreciate the value of discipline in daily life. It's about being punctual, organized, and responsible. These skills are transferable and will undoubtedly benefit us in our academic and professional lives.

Lunch Break – A Taste of Local Cuisine

After the morning session, we were all hungry and ready for lunch. The dining hall offered a variety of dishes, including some local specialties. Trying new foods is one of the joys of being an international student, and it's a great way to experience the local culture. Some of us even tried to learn the names of the dishes in Chinese, which led to some funny mispronunciations and laughter.

Afternoon Session: Team Building Activities

The afternoon session focused on team building activities. We were divided into smaller groups and tasked with completing various challenges. These activities required communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. For international students, it was an excellent opportunity to practice our Chinese and get to know our classmates better. By the end of the session, we felt like a tight-knit group.

Cultural Exchange – Sharing Stories

One of the highlights of the day was the cultural exchange session. Each of us shared something unique about our home countries. It was fascinating to learn about different cultures and traditions. This activity brought us closer together and created a sense of community among us. Even our CO joined in, sharing stories from his own experiences.

Reflection Time – Personal Growth

As the day came to a close, we had some free time to reflect on our experiences. For many of us, military training has been a transformative experience. It's taught us resilience, teamwork, and leadership. As international students, these skills are invaluable as we navigate life in a new country.

Conclusion – Embracing the Journey

Reflecting on my fifth day of military training, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the friendships formed. For international students, every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Whether it's mastering the art of synchronization or sharing our cultures, we're growing together. Military training may seem daunting at first, but it's a journey worth embracing.