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In our often utilitarian society, it seems every action must serve a purpose. We study to gain skills; we gain skills to achieve success; we read to acquire knowledge; we exercise to lose weight or shape our bodies. Yet, we often overlook an important goal: doing things simply for the joy and purity they bring.
This interview gave me a chance to understand the heart of Alisa Tian, a 10th grader at Haidian Kaien School. She is a ballet dancer who loves reading, a volleyball setter passionate about horseback riding. Through her, I witnessed a playful spirit and felt the foundation of true independence.
Reading: The World Can Be Different
More than improving my grades, I love reading for its own sake. I am grateful to reading for helping me find my own strength.
Alisa Tian has been growing with Haidian Kaien since the third grade, now marking seven years. Time flies, leaving no trace. She and Haidian Kaien are like mirrored reflections, witnessing each other’s growth. She appreciates the school's liberal teaching methods, which allowed her to discover her passion for reading before many others even knew what they were good at or liked.
Reading is a time machine that traverses time and space, reaching poetic, rational, and humorous worlds within limited words. Thus, reading has become Alisa Tian's spiritual home. From the beginning of elementary school, she has been fascinated by both Chinese and English reading and writing. Different types of books have become a part of her daily life. Experiencing the autonomy of the mind and fully enjoying the gift of reading is a blissful and precious thing.
Alisa shared that in her seven years at Haidian Kaien, the writing assignments in her English literature classes opened the door to exploring life. Experiencing the wonders of the outside world, the depth of human history, the sanctity of ultimate ethics, and the richness of life’s meaning are her favorite activities. She believes that her strong foundation in reading is a major reason she could better adapt to the fast-paced learning environment in high school.
Reading is our way to see the world and enrich ourselves; it is a sanctuary in a chaotic life.
In high school, as the difficulty of each subject increased, so did the pressure. However, reading remains Alisa Tian's space to breathe and regulate her emotions. For her, engaging with the charm of different literary genres, thereby gradually improving her thinking and language skills, is both interesting and efficient.
Reading has added a layer of composure to this 15-year-old girl, making her unique but not ostentatious, yet intriguing. In an era that values individuality and depth, the warm and strong force within her remains unwavering.
The Face of Youth: Self-Love, Strength, and Harmony
I love trying new things and have developed some hobbies. Stepping away briefly from a busy study life to experience different excitements is refreshing.
At a young age, Alisa Tian watched a performance by a world-class ballet troupe, her first encounter with ballet. We often describe ballet dancers with the most beautiful words, such as elegant and noble. Alisa Tian embodies this unique temperament. Additionally, her ballet training from a young age made her stronger—perhaps we cannot change our physical conditions, but presenting them in the best possible way is her belief.
Alisa Tian After a Ballet Performance
The moment she rises on tiptoe marks a lifelong pursuit of romance. Alisa Tian's passion for ballet is as precious as a gem, radiating with a brilliance that reflects her kind and gentle heart.
"I love horseback riding; it feels like a rhapsody for the free spirit."
When Alisa Tian told me about her long-term commitment to equestrianism, I was genuinely surprised. She appears delicate and introverted, and I initially couldn't associate her with such a demanding sport. However, as she shared her story, I began to understand her passion. Alisa explained that working with horses is a conversation of the soul, not just a physical exercise. It requires time, perseverance, and love.
When Alisa first started learning equestrianism, she met her first partner—a three-year-old horse. For the petite Alisa, the horse seemed enormous and skittish. They both learned to build trust, cooperate, and accomplish tasks together. Through numerous small milestones, they achieved unparalleled fulfillment and grew more confident.
"Equestrianism shapes not only our bodies but also our minds."
Riding inevitably involves mistakes and falls, but through these experiences, Alisa has forged a resilient spirit and learned to manage her emotions and heal herself. Failure becomes an experience, and setbacks are merely previews of success. The subtle yet profound influence of equestrianism nurtures Alisa, with the spirit of chivalry guiding her like a beacon. The vastness of the riding field, the blue sky, and the perfect warmth of the sun—these elements drive her dream, riding with the wind.
Volleyball: The Ever-Uplifting Sport
"In the face of strong opponents, I aim to achieve victory with my team."
When Alisa was in the 8th grade, her school was forming a girls' volleyball team. Despite her interest, she hesitated due to her average height. Coach Nolan Hansen offered a different perspective: "Who says height is a barrier in volleyball? A setter plays a crucial role in the team, organizing the second attack and compensating for weaknesses in reception and defense." Encouraged by her coach, Alisa joined the school's girls' volleyball team, becoming the "conductor" of the team.
With her coach and teammates after volleyball practice (second from the left)
Sports training is tough, especially for a group of delicate girls. "When we first formed the team, our arms were often red and swollen from inaccurate hits. But we were strong and didn't complain; if the pain was too much, we'd get ice packs from the infirmary," Alisa recalled with a smile. She happily shared that the effort put into volleyball practice is evident in their progress. After more than a year of training, the skill level of the girls' volleyball team has visibly improved.
The high school girls' volleyball team of Beijing Haidian Kaiwen School (third from the left)
"As long as the ball hasn't touched the ground, we can't give up."
For Alisa, volleyball is a simple pursuit. No matter how difficult the ball is, the reason to chase it is singular: because it hasn't hit the ground. No matter how adverse the situation, the reason to keep fighting remains: because it isn't over. This upward-looking sport endows every volleyball-loving girl with unmatched strength, illuminating their path forward.
She dances ballet, she practices equestrianism, she plays volleyball... and she has many other passions. These childhood hobbies have gradually become the driving force and nourishment in her life, fueling her bold pursuit of dreams once quietly hidden in her youth.
More than accomplishing tasks, she prefers to please herself.
A toast to everyone who pursues their passions selflessly.