《My first day at CCNU》

Name：NARENDRAMOHAN HANUKRUSHNA
Nationality: Sri Lanka
University：Central China Normal University

I don't think there is a better place to say this than this. I must mention the incident of my first day in China, which has been running through my mind for a long time. I am overjoyed to receive a scholarship from the Chinese government.

I understand that she must be holding a high position in this university. But who is she who can answer questions about coming to China and scholarship in a simple manner without getting bored? Whenever I asked my doubts, she never tried to respond. She had already asked for all my documents in beginning although my flight tickets. She had reviewed all the documents like my insurance and the result of the pension check and instructed that 'everything is fine'. I followed all the instructions and arrived on a plane for the first time on my own to the great superpower China, also known as the sleeping lion. Now I am not able to connect with her who gives me relevant advice immediately whenever I text her. I came out from the airport.

Two police officers were there in security duty. Observing my condition, they themselves waved and called me lovingly. I was delighted to see China's welcoming nature and human greatness. In our country, I usually feel scared when I see police officers. This is the fashion of our country. Those security strategists who kindly called me in China spoke to me in English. I showed them the location she had sent. Knowing my condition, they took me in a Taxi. They spoke to the driver in Chinese. I realized that I should have been told to drop me safely. Huge bridges. A beautiful city beyond words. I have never seen such a combination of natural and artificial beauty. Almost 45 minutes journey. At the end the Taxi stopped on a platform supported by huge white marble pillars. The driver motioned for me to get off.

I took my suitcase and got out of the taxi. My next goal was to pay for travel and get the rest and get into university. The security guard didn't let me in. After showing the documents he gave permission and opened the door. I was not known then that it was the main entrance of our university, the north gate. I did not understand then that it was the location she had sent.

Door opening is also mechanical here. I have witnessed the rise in productivity. The door opens immediately for pre-registered students to show their faces. How is this possible? I looked at it in wonder for a minute. I walked in thinking how many more surprises this great country was going to give.

She guided me till I came here from Sri Lanka, she guided me like a mother holding her child. There's nothing with my phone without WeChat. It doesn't have anyone's phone numbers. I now saw a stone-built wall on which was written Central China Normal University. All the faces I have seen so far as I have walked have been happy and excited. Men and women used to come and go in pairs. Now how to get to my destination? I don't know anyone but her. How to contact her? She had instructed me all along the way. What more can I do? Don't know where to go. I know that if she had known that I had come, she would have come. But she also knew that it is not her responsibility.

As time went on, it was a bit late. I was felled hungry. what can I do? I spoked in English to some of the people who came to that side. But no point. An idea appeared. I apologized and showed to someone to her ID and I told him that “I would contact her”. Does the person immediately “have you her phone number?” I said no. He scanned her WeChat ID and sent the request from his phone. The person was standing by my side until I heard from her. The Chinese habits of helping a stranger is admirable. In the next 2 minutes the request was accepted from the compassionate woman. He took the call on his phone and conversed with her in Chinese. He read out the notes from the university admission letter that I had. Then he hung up and spoke to me. 'You stand here. She will come to pick you up' and left. I just stood there whilst I realized that "almost Chinense peoples have helping mind".

A beautiful car came and stopped near to me. The she was opened car door. Yes. It was her. She told to me to get in. I got on the back seat. The car began to move slowly. While moving the car, she introduced to me at each place. Yes, beyond the call of duty, I was amazed at her noble spirit. This is Network center where internet facilities are provided to the students. After that she introduced ICBC Bank. She introduced many other things. Sorry I forgot. I am still an ordinary student but the welcome and value she gave to me which remains me respect China even more.

5 minutes journey. Our shuttle stopped in front of a hall where several national flags were displayed. Then she asked me to get down. I followed her. That is the 206 office.

There they gave to me a seat for sit. Then registration of all my passport and other documents was completed. ID was immediately granted. Guidelines are provided for opening a bank account. In fact, I no longer felt like a foreigner. I could observe that all the officers working in 206 works with brotherhood. What is exceptional about her alone? No. When all my work was done, she again said to me 'Come, I will show your accommodation'.

I followed her with my suitcase and documents. It is walking distance from 206 office. There are two hostels namely Dorm 5 and Dorm 6 with all facilities for accommodation of international students. I was brought to Dorm 5. She spoke to the officer there. Immediately my identity was registered. She was ready to get rid of me after completing all my matters. I felt like a mother feels when her child is separated.

I worshiped her in my heart thinking that she is the mother of not only me but all the international students here. I got a key for my room. Actually, it is not a key. It was full of technology. No wonder every student from less technology countries, like me, marvels at these. Even when I got the key, she waved me off with a soft smile and asked one of the students to take me to the room and help me if I needed anything.

Even after almost six months have passed, the way she and the university officials approached me is still fresh in my eyes. If you are reading this true story and want to do some degree or post-graduation then definitely apply to this Central China Normal University. How can I come to China alone if there is no one? Who will help us? Please don't think that. Just like I got help here you will get it too.

Apply without worry. Students have to Come to the Central China Normal University. The helpful officers are waiting for you here regardless of race, religion and language. My first day experience was as memorable as it is happening to other international students. Finally, I don’t say that who is she because you know her very well.