Tutoring has been an important part of my college life. In my senior year, my younger brother was also admitted to university, while my father fell ill and medical expenses became very high. In order to ease the burden on my family, I once again took on tutoring work.
The little girl I tutored was very stubborn and slow with her homework, often causing the session to run far beyond the scheduled time. By the time she finished, I was always in a hurry to catch the last bus home. I would run all the way from her house to the station, and sometimes even transfer at Xinjiekou. Every time I returned from tutoring, I was completely exhausted both physically and mentally.
There were moments when I wanted to give up. However, thinking of my father’s medical bills and my brother’s living expenses, I reminded myself that I had to persist. No matter what, the word “giving up” does not exist in my vocabulary.
I also worked long hours standing in supermarkets promoting products and handed out flyers in the cold wind. Each rejection or indifferent glance felt like being pricked by needles. Yet I still forced a smile and told myself that even if my confidence was shattered, I had to pick myself up and keep moving forward.
Sometimes I felt wronged. We were all in university, yet others could live carefree lives while I had to struggle for living expenses. Life indeed showed me its harsh side, but I remain grateful for everything it has given me.
Whether hardship or setback, all of it becomes part of life’s wealth. My part-time job experiences taught me that no matter how hard life gets, it will eventually pass. They made me stronger and more independent. Looking back, these experiences have become beautiful highlights along my life journey.
