初中第3天军训感想 - Through the Eyes of an International Student

Welcome to our series where we share experiences and insights from international students around the world. Today, we have a unique perspective on a common experience in China: junior high school military training. Our contributor has kindly shared their thoughts after just three days of this rigorous program. Let’s dive into their journey!

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Setting the Scene
• The First Day: A Mix of Anxiety and Excitement
• Day Two: Learning the Ropes
• Third Day: Finding My Rhythm
• Challenges Faced: Physical and Mental
• Team Building and Leadership Skills
• Cultural Insights: Understanding Chinese Values
• Reflections: What I’ve Learned So Far
• Conclusion: Looking Forward to the Next Days

Introduction: Setting the Scene

As an international student, the idea of participating in a military training program was both intriguing and daunting. Here in China, it’s a tradition for students entering junior high school. The first three days have been a whirlwind of emotions and physical challenges. Let me take you through my experience so far.

The First Day: A Mix of Anxiety and Excitement

The morning began with a roll call (dianming) at 7 AM sharp. The sound of hundreds of students gathering in the school courtyard was overwhelming. We were introduced to our drill instructors, who immediately set a strict tone. The anxiety I felt was palpable, but as the day progressed, excitement started to build. By the end of the day, I had learned the basic marching steps and commands in Chinese, which was quite an achievement!

Day Two: Learning the Ropes

Today was all about refining our marching techniques. We spent hours practicing drill movements (duilian dongzuo), such as turning left and right, and marching in formation. It was physically demanding, but the camaraderie among us grew stronger. We laughed together during breaks and shared stories about our lives back home. This sense of community helped ease the physical strain.

Third Day: Finding My Rhythm

By the third day, I started to feel more comfortable with the routine. Waking up early, the daily drills, and even the strict discipline became familiar. We also learned some basic self-defense techniques, which was empowering. The highlight of the day was when we performed a short drill in front of the entire school. Despite feeling nervous, it was a proud moment knowing how much progress we had made in just three days.

Challenges Faced: Physical and Mental

The most significant challenge has undoubtedly been the physical demands. Standing under the hot sun for hours, doing push-ups, and running laps around the school track tested my endurance. Mentally, adapting to the strict rules and maintaining discipline throughout the day required a lot of focus. However, these challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance.

Team Building and Leadership Skills

One of the most valuable aspects of military training is the emphasis on teamwork. We were divided into small squads and assigned squad leaders. Working together to perfect our drills and supporting each other during tough moments has strengthened our bonds. As an international student, this experience has also given me a chance to step up and lead, which is something I wasn’t expecting.

Cultural Insights: Understanding Chinese Values

Participating in military training has provided a unique window into Chinese culture. The emphasis on discipline, respect, and collective effort mirrors many traditional Chinese values. Seeing how seriously my peers took the training and the pride they showed in their performance has been enlightening. It’s a reminder that while we may come from different backgrounds, we can find common ground through shared experiences.

Reflections: What I’ve Learned So Far

Reflecting on the past three days, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown. From the initial apprehension to finding confidence in my abilities, military training has been a transformative experience. I’ve learned the value of hard work, the importance of teamwork, and the power of resilience. These lessons will stay with me long after the training ends.

Conclusion: Looking Forward to the Next Days

With only a few days left of military training, I’m excited to see how much further we can go. I’m looking forward to mastering more complex drills and deepening the friendships I’ve formed. While the journey has been challenging, it’s also been incredibly rewarding. As an international student, I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with my peers and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.