April 29 , 2017 with class 603

Every spring, many people gather in Sanzhi (三芝) to view cherry blossoms, which reminds me of my hometown.  Viewing cherry blossoms is a Japanese traditional custom, and it was originally limited to the imperial court but soon spread to the public. In my mind, the cherry blossom tree next to the Sanzhi police office is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in Sanzhi.  The tree is full of beautiful flowers.  The other day I was hanging out there with Wendy for a while. I could smell the strong spring in the air. I've been really enjoying the leisurely life and have been soaking up the atmosphere.

It was a fine afternoon with the clear and cloudless sky.   We went to the Port of Keelung (基隆) by bus to visit the research schooner–Tara, which is made of aluminum to avoid getting rusty.  Tara has been traveling all around the world, from east to west and from south to north, including drifting in the Arctic for 507 days. In this schooner, there are five crews(or sailors), one captain, one chef, one accredited correspondent(特派記者),seven scientists and one artist. In the expedition from 2016 to 2018, they will traverse the Pacific Ocean to explore the hidden diversity of corals and gain a better understanding of its ability to adapt to climate change. I found a cool thing on their ship.  The T-shirts they wear are quite unique.  They are designed specifically for every sea voyage.  Because of so many voyages they have made, they have many different kinds of T-shirts.  The design on the front of their T-shirts is a map which records their each journey.       

 I have learned lots of things about their study, and I admired their attitude very much.

June 29 , 2016 with class 603

         Today I went to the graduation trip of Angel’s school with her. On the first day, we went to a local restaurant to have lunch in Pingtung . Then, we went to National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. We saw many special creatures, feeling excited. Besides, we gained some new knowledge. In the evening, we went to Kenting Street. There are many kinds of foods coming from different countries around the world. It was a special experience.

May 11 , 2017 with class 603

The library has always been where I like to visit. There are always a lot of new and informative books, and I enjoy reading in this quiet place.

One time I could not find the book I wanted, and then an enthusiastic little volunteer came to me and asked, "Do you need help?"

I was much moved, and found the book with his help.

I thought I would feel very happy if I could help people while staying in my favorite place.   Therefore, I decided to join the volunteer team.

I told the teacher in charge that I wanted to be a volunteer.   She introduced me to the work that volunteers have to do.   The work includes:

1.   Help schoolmates borrow and return books.

2.   Help to put the books back to where they belong.

3.   Help solve schoolmates’ problems.

4.   Introduce the environment and the equipment of the library to schoolmates.

In the beginning, the experienced volunteer taught me how to use the equipment and then toured me around the library.

My favorite work is to put the books back to where they belong.  Although the books are heavy, I often find a lot of interesting books in the process of putting them back to the shelf.   When I am bored, I can borrow those books. 

Now, I am a real volunteer.   I can start helping others.

Lily and I went to the library yesterday. We helped the library with the chores. I was an apprentice yesterday. Today, I am an official volunteer. Andy and I work together in the library.

I learned how to deal with the library’s chores, but it was only exercise. I will do the real thing now.

As the library’s volunteers, we have to deal with a lot of chores.

First, we have to know where the books belong.  For example, if the book’s number is in the range of 850-855, the book belongs to Chinese Literature.   We have to arrange the books according to some specific rules. 

Second, we have to help readers find the books they want.

 Third, we have to help readers check out the books they want.

I asked Andy why he wanted to be a volunteer in the library.

Andy told me that he likes reading, so he wants to be a volunteer in a library.  He says that arranging the books enables him to find a lot of strange and interesting books.  .My reason to be a volunteer is similar to his.