Local Student Steps Up to Help Community During COVID-19
Tingran Zhang • Posted on June 10, 2022 • 2 minutes • 368 words
Table of contents
During the COVID-19 outbreak in Suzhou in early 2022, 12-year-old Tingran Zhang volunteered to support pandemic prevention efforts in her community. Despite her young age, Tingran actively participated in community service activities that helped protect residents during this difficult time.
Tingran first got involved in charity activities at age 4. Since then, she has volunteered in various causes including environmental protection. When the pandemic hit Suzhou and delayed school openings, Tingran noticed that committee workers in her residential compound were exhausted from extra duties.
Taking Initiative to Help
To help these workers rest better, Tingran proposed gathering supplies like folding cots and bedding in her building’s group chat. Her idea received an enthusiastic response from neighbors and the supplies were quickly delivered to the committee office.
Tingran said, “As the ancients said, do not refrain from doing good just because it is small. We can start by caring for and helping others in small ways within our ability, which contributes to society.”
Stepping Up as the Youngest Volunteer
Although only 12, Tingran volunteered to support pandemic prevention in her community. The committee was hesitant to accept such a young helper at first.
After Tingran received two vaccinations and passed strict training and tests, the committee allowed her to take on safer tasks. These included distributing testing kits, accompanying doctors for at-home testing of mobility-impaired residents, and more.
The work was tiring, involving long hours in hot protective equipment. But Tingran felt a strong sense of mission and achievement, comparing herself to the legendary woman warrior Mulan fighting an invisible enemy. By April, Tingran had served over 2,400 people and received many thanks from residents.
A Model IB Learner
As one of the first students enrolled at OCAC Suzhou since its founding in 2017, Tingran embodies the school’s educational values. OCAC aims to develop globally-minded lifelong learners who can collaborate to solve 21st century problems.
Tingran has grown into an inquiring, caring IB learner. She applies what she explores in class about sustainability to community service initiatives.
Tingran dreams of studying art and design while continuing to serve others. She believes that positive change starts with small, consistent acts of service. Tingran is an inspiration to all of us!