From August 29th to September 4th, Year 2020 CIE students had their Biology teaching practice in Huoditang Forestry Station in Qinling Mountains. Unfortunately, the weather there extended its hospitality in an unexpected way. The unceasingly rain and roaring river blocked the students in the classroom or their dorms where they can sort the samples or review their biology classes. As long as the rain controlled its temper, the teachers would brought the students to the field, collecting plant samples or conducting field practice of pedology and meteorology.  

In the rainy season, the word “damp” was not strong enough to depict the situation of forest farm. On the afternoon of September 2nd, a student found her shoes totally broken by the rainwater. With no hesitation, Ms. Mu Wanhong, a teacher of Meteorology of College of Science, gave her newly-bought shoes to the student.

On the morning of September 3rd, as rain turned light for a while, the teachers took this opportunity and the students to the field. I joined them, too. The team was lead by Mr. Zhao Liang and Mr. Liu Huqi from College of Life Science, Ms. Hou Lin from College of Forestry and Mr. Dai Yunchao from College of Natural Resources and Environment. Though the light rain wet their shoes and trousers, the teachers and the students were fully absorbed in the teaching and learning.

When teaching ecology, Ms. Hou Lin emphasized the thought on ecological civilization of President Xi Jinping, “ Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; respecting , accommodating and protecting nature; green, low-carbon and circular development”, and appeal the students to take the mission of protecting ecological environment.  

During the one-week field practice, we were lucky to have two young instructors Wang Yali and Cui Chunhao who fully pitched themselves into their duties and the student management. They joined every outing of students in the field practice. We were also lucky to have Mr. He Yinzan of the forestry station as instructor. The biology teaching practice would be impossible without his help and support.

There have been so many touching stories and deeds taking place every year at the station. We saw the dedication, patience, and all other virtues of the teachers who light up the lamp for students and pave the way for the students to success.

Though the practice ended, what I saw and hear are still echoing in my mind. I am so moved. The 37th Teacher’s Day is around the corner. So, on behalf of CIE, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the dutiful teachers for their devotion and contribution to the teaching.

Thank you! And happy Teacher’s Day!

Mr Dai Yunchao in the field practice


Ms. Hou Lin in Ecology class


Mr. Zhao Liang and the students