Learning to Love

Story from Harry: In high school, I was a class representative burdened by teacher pressure. I reluctantly yielded my achievements to a classmate in the name of unity. This experience led to a vow: I'd never let myself be in such a situation again. University brought similar pressures and toxic friendships. After deep reflection, I chose to pursue my dreams in art, leaving science behind. It was physically taxing but rewarding. I secured a place in an art school. On the day I left my former university, ominous signs surrounded my flight. It bore flight number 44, and dense fog hinted at uncertainty. My friend's response to my foreboding message made me feel as though I was confronting destiny. I took that "death flight" with determination, remembering why I chose this path. During my senior year of high school, my class advisor, once involved in covert actions against me, resurfaced. He singled me out and withheld the application form for art and sports students. The teacher who once monitored my manipulated college entrance exam now oversaw my first subject. I purchased the elusive form myself and faced the exam with confidence. One summer, I ventured as a solo backpacker from Chengdu to Nanjing and Hangzhou. This adventure taught me self-love and the importance of pursuing what truly matters. Embracing change and following one's true desires lead to personal transformation and a fulfilling life.

Story from Chacha: It was during a math exam. The night before, I had dedicated an extended amount of time to reviewing because my grades were just average, and I knew I needed to put in extra effort compared to the top students. The next day, I scored a 98 on the test (which was relatively challenging). My teacher asked me to come to her office and repeatedly questioned if I had access to the answers beforehand. I argued against her accusations, but she remained unconvinced and insisted that I explain my thought process for solving the problems. I tried my best to explain my approach, which was based on online course methods and differed from what she had taught in class. However, she persisted in her suspicions. She even called my parents and informed them that I would have to retake the exam the following day. The test she gave me on that second day was even more difficult, covering topics we had barely discussed in class. I ended up scoring only in the 70s, and she then accused me of cheating and informed the entire class about the incident.

Story from Gabriel: I didn't do well in school, and when I was a child, my parents' divorce left me feeling neglected. I was often unfairly accused of stealing things without any evidence to support the claims. I was even forced to write a book titled "What Have You Stolen?" I endured bullying from classmates, and reporting it to the teacher only resulted in her mocking me with comments like, "Why don't they bully someone else instead of you?"What's ironic is that when a good student actually stole money, they chose not to report it to the teacher because they didn't believe she would take action. The teacher's response was typically, "Don't play with her." It was clear that a female classmate was slandering, insulting, and mocking me simply because I was bigger and didn't want to physically harm my peers. However, one day, that person physically injured my arm, and both of us were sent to the office. To my surprise, the teacher allowed the bully to leave for a physical education class, leaving me in the office with my bleeding arm, forced to stand there for the entire class. The teacher didn't even bother to look up from her work, and when she did, it was only to cast a disdainful glance. After the class, I had to tend to my wounds myself. It was only then that my homeroom teacher came over insincerely and said, "I thought about taking you to get some help."