Peers achieve every breakthrough
“I love being with you!” “Me too, glad to meet you!” The two looked at each other and laughed, and the feeling of joy and warmth instantly infected the people around them. Mentor Lizhen and 22-year-old student Wenwen cherish each other, learn from each other, and create breakthroughs together in the journey together!
Disabled Stargazing Camp
Three kilometers of run
Grow each other
The relationship between the two began last October at the stargazing camp for the blind disabled. The amiable Lizhen and the optimistic and childish Wenwen, as well as another volunteer, were arranged to live in the same tent. There are large and small activities in the stargazing camp, stargazing, sun watching and various booth games, Wenwen is very active, and the three of them have fun. The highlight of the stargazing camp is watching the sunrise, which is the most challenging for Wenwen, who is slightly less physical! Wenwen missed watching the sunrise at the stargazing camp the year before, but this time with Lizhen's encouragement, she decided to give it a try and challenge herself. The sunrise viewing point is not close to the location of the tabernacle, and it takes about an hour to walk. Wenwen suffers from flat feet and is prone to foot pain, but with Lizhen's company and small snacks as a cheer, she persevered despite being tired and finally reached the viewing point. Looking back on the scene, the two also admitted that they were very tired and tired, and it was a pity that they could not see the sunrise due to poor weather. However, they also felt that this experience was a big breakthrough for the two of them to walk together, which was very memorable! Lizhen and Wenwen agreed to participate in the stargazing camp together next year!
Continuing the friendship between the two is the running hall that follows. Coincidentally, the two participated in the running hall prepared and practiced for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' "Run to Communion" – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon, and became partners because of their familiarity. Wenwen, who does not exercise much, mainly walks at the beginning of training and often needs rest. But with Lizhen's company and encouragement, Wenwen's running practice performance improved more and again, and Lizhen felt very happy. After five times of practice, Wenwen made another breakthrough, which was to complete the three-kilometer run without rest and pause, which surprised the two. On the surface, Lizhen supports Wenwen to keep trying and breaking through herself, but Lizhen does not agree with this. In her eyes, Wenwen is not a recipient or a person with special needs, she sees Wenwen as an ordinary friend of herself, simple and direct to get along with, two-way giving, learning from each other and supporting each other. Lizhen believes that the breakthrough is not what she has paid, but more Wenwen's own persistence and efforts. They are not only mentors and alumni, they are also companions!
Looking back on the relationship they have been with, both of them have grown because of each other. Wenwen's optimistic personality infects Lizhen, allowing her to learn to adjust her mood and learn to live simply and happily. And Wenwen has also become more polite because of Lizhen, and she is also very good at table manners. Of course, because they exercised together, they all felt healthy. There are few perfect matches in the world, and Lizhen and Wenwen's mentorship relationship is no exception. Most of the time in this caring relationship is also pleasant and warm, which is the result of mutual learning and accommodation. This mentor-friend relationship was not smooth sailing at the beginning, for example, ordinary people also have times when they are depressed, and Wenwen is no exception, but getting along more, Lizhen slowly mastered the tricks of communication. She shared happily: "Wenwen is very optimistic and talkative, it's actually not too difficult to get along, when she has emotions, you can coax her, say something funny, just change the topic."
Regarding the expectations and development of the relationship between the two parties, they both said that they like to get along with each other and hope to be each other's friends all the time. The advantage of mentorship is not limited to the activities of the center, but also the ability to meet and arrange activities according to everyone's time. During the interview, the two were already excited to plan activities such as lunch, movie and museum visits together. In addition, Lizhen also expressed her hope that Wenwen could get to know her friends in the future, firstly, to expand Wenwen's social circle, and secondly, to let her friends know more about Tang's friends. Because Lizhen believes that to get to know and know a group, personal contact and sincere relationship will be the best way. Acquaintance is fate, and being able to be a companion to each other is even more valuable. Lizhen and Wenwen both leave footprints on each other's life path, walk together and create breakthroughs together.