Chongqing - In a wave of anticipatory tension, 12.91 million young adults across China filled exam rooms to participate in the consequential “gaokao,” or college entrance examination.
In the heart of Chongqing, 194,000 candidates embarked on this critical journey from Wednesday to Friday. Despite the palpable pressure surrounding the gaokao, it invariably sets the stage for heartwarming expressions of camaraderie and outpouring communal support.
A memorable scene from June 7, the first day of the exams, captures a mother tenderly handing her child a bouquet as they step into the examination room. (Photo/Qi Lansen, Chongqing Daily)
This season of academic rigor is met with an equal measure of emotional support. Parents, teachers, and individuals from all corners of society extend their love and unwavering encouragement to the gaokao candidates, infusing them with the confidence to confront the challenge head-on.
The entrance of the Chongqing No. 1 Secondary School test center, the heart of the 2023 college entrance exams in Chongqing’s Shapingba District, welcomed waves of candidates and supporters. (Photo/Sun Kaifang, Chongqing Daily)
A local florist told iChongqing and Bridging News that an increasing number of parents were buying flowers, notably sunflowers, for their children taking the college entrance exams this year. She explained, “The sunflower, which in Chinese has a homonym meaning ‘ace the test in one fell swoop,’ was a particular favorite.”
Chen Yong and his wife were immersed in the sea of waiting parents at the entrance of the Chongqing No. 1 Secondary School test center. They stood out in vibrant red T-shirts, proudly declaring, “Succeed on the first try.” Their support did not stop at their wardrobe; their socks echoed the sentiment, embroidered with the motivating phrase “All the answers are correct.” The Chens expressed their heartfelt wish, “We hope for luck and success for all candidates so they can secure admission to their universities of choice.”
Symbolic gestures of encouragement were not uncommon. Candidates' mothers arrive at the test centers dressed in traditional cheongsams, qipaos, and radiant red shirts each year. This ceremonial attire symbolizes a wish for their children to “get off to a good start” in the exam. On June 7, Ms. Wang, resplendent in a striking green qipao, drew attention at the entrance of the Chongqing No. 8 Secondary School test site. The color green, she explained, symbolized a smooth journey ahead, mirroring her hopes for her child to approach the exam with a tranquil and composed mindset.
Yin Xiaoying, a dedicated teacher at Chongqing Fudan Secondary School, was an early bird at the test site, providing comprehensive instructions to students before entering the exam rooms. Around 11:00 a.m., her role shifted from the guide to the provider. “I must quickly arrange meals, as some students do not have enough time to return home for lunch. Therefore, we have prepared lunch for them,” said Yin, who believes teachers should function as dependable “supply stations” for students during the exam, ensuring their well-being and offering unwavering support.
A sense of communal responsibility is evident, as society seems to mobilize en masse to assist the gaokao candidates.
On June 7, the first day of the exam, one candidate made her timely arrival at the test center with the help of the traffic patrol police’s motorcycle. (Photo/Qi Lansen, Chongqing Daily)
On the inaugural day of the exam, a mix-up stirred concern in Chongqing’s Kaizhou District. A candidate’s test admission ticket was erroneously handed over to his twin brother at a different test center. The candidate, comprehending the urgency, promptly approached the traffic police on duty at 8:10 a.m. The police, in a swift response, connected with the twin brother’s instructor and rushed to his test center. In a remarkable demonstration of efficacy, the police resolved the situation within a brisk 12 minutes, ensuring both boys could participate in the exam without further ado.
In an unparalleled act of community support during the 2023 college entrance examination, the Chongqing “Lei Feng Taxi” volunteer service team mobilized 1,000 taxis to offer complimentary and convenient transportation for the candidates who required it.
Yin Qilong, a seasoned driver for Chongqing Taxi Co., Ltd and a deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC) in the transportation industry, has devoted an impressive 13 years to voluntary service. During the gaokao each year, Yin begins his day early at 5:30 a.m., prepares himself in simplicity, and meticulously inspects his vehicle to ensure its safety and top-notch condition. “We usually reach the students’ homes early, around 6:30 a.m., with the aim to provide reassurance to both the students and their parents,” Yin articulated. He further expressed that no joy compares to the thrill of hearing about candidates achieving outstanding exam results.
The gaokao embodies a testing ground of resilience and determination, buoyed by an unwavering web of support. Regardless of the outcomes, the experiences gained, the lessons learned, and the spirit of community that rallies around the candidates leave a lasting imprint on their educational journeys.
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