Music teacher contributes silently as volunteer in Wuhan

Having joined in volunteer work for more than 30 days to help fight the novel coronavirus epidemic in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic in Hubei province, Hua Yuchen believes she has made the right choice.

The music teacher at Ganghua Elementary School in Wuhan has been filling in where help is most needed. She transported medical staff workers to and from work; she took temperatures of drivers at toll stations; she unloaded protective materials and served as a broadcaster at a makeshift hospital.

"In our team, everyone is contributing silently. There's always someone who arrives earlier than I, does more work and leaves later," said Hua. "The volunteers are passing courage and responsibility around. I feel positive and energetic when working with them."

Hua was often moved by medical workers. "When I take them to work, they always check if my protection is done correctly. Some leave me masks, small bottles of ethyl alcohol, snacks, fruits and yoghurt. You can feel their gratitude through these small things," she said.

"We are normal people. Nobody can say they are not afraid and are sure that they won't be infected. But the volunteers are brave enough to stand up and do what they can. These may not be big deals, but it is the little deeds that makes you feel warm," Hua said.

As the only child in her home, the woman born in the 1990s didn't tell her parents that she would do volunteer work at first, for fear that they would worry too much about her.

"Being a volunteer puts my parents who live with me in a relatively dangerous situation. I feel sorry but I chose to do something I want to do," said Hua. "When they got to know what I was doing, they were braver than I thought. No matter how late I arrived home, they were waiting for me and helped me disinfect myself. They gave me the most nutritious food at home and asked me to eat more. I know that they are showing their support in this way."

Hua said she wants to share her volunteer experience with her students and discuss with them what everyone should do during a special period when the epidemic is over. She also want to get to know the other volunteers who she has been working with when everyone can take off their masks.