2020 Autumn Semester of Wuzhen IHEP University for the Aged Begins

On September 6th 2020, students of Wuzhen Graceland University for the Aged finally gathered together to celebrate 2020 Autumn Semester Beginning after over six months’ gap due to COVID-19 epidemic. New semester’s cultural life officially began.

At the entrance of the Celebration, staff of University for the Aged gave new schoolbags to every elderly student as gift that would be with the elderly during the journey for knowledge. Upon entering into the University with their schoolbags, the new study trip of elderly students began.

They then signed their names on the registration wall. The signatures also presented their expectation to school time.

In the ceremony, teacher representatives made a solemn promise that, “We will let every student make progress by our sincere efforts, and make our students and ourselves feel the liberty, joy and happiness of learning, and keep lifelong learning together.”

Students also greeted the school time in the future, “We will be positive in class, confident to face with difficulties and enthusiastic to start the best time!”

Both students and newcomers were expecting new study time when new semester was coming.

Madam Chen, the monitor of the etiquette and body class, reviewed her experience in the class. She said, both teachers and classmates had paid much efforts to create joyous learning and life. The future would become more beautiful.

Madam Wu from the landscape painting class spoke on behalf of newcomers. She said, “In the past, we were elite in different professions. Now, some of us resigned from a leading post, or have retired. Too much spare time made us overwhelmed. But it does not matter. Today, we gather here to continue our life value by learning and teaching in the following days.”

Uncle Zhang, the student of cucurbit flute, shared his learning time in the past with classmates. He said, “Most of us will play Mahjong or watch TV at home after retirement. Actually, retirement life can be rich and significant. Learning can bring us spiritual wealth. Graceland offers us such a platform to study and self-improve. Here, we can do what makes us happy.”

Students’ enthusiasm for study moved all participants. In the Ceremony, their brilliant performance also triggered a round of applause.

Madams from dance class performed solo dance Songs of Painted Role and group dance Moonlight Full in the West. Each movement presented the achievement of learning. The performance also pushed the atmosphere to a new high.

This Ceremony introduced a new function – live broadcast that brought more families to share the joy of learning!

During the special period of the epidemic, staff of University for the Aged made good preparations to offer a safe and healthier study environment to students, from class resumption safety training, epidemic prevention supplies preparation to classroom disinfection and isolation room setting.

A beautiful new semester has officially begun! As what aunt Wu said, “Both knowledge and art are infinite. We are willing to live and learn, enjoy the happiness of meeting each other, and live each day happily.