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Hold My Hand: Embossing Spring Together | The Journey of Service

Author: Release Date:2026-04-10 Browse:1046order

How many steps does it take to build a connection?

Step one: Let go of the idea that “they are different from us.”

In April 2026, as GHA students pinned on their name tags and waited at the school gate for their “buddies,” many didn't know what to expect from the next five hours. Some were first-timers, carrying a mix of nerves and curiosity. Others were returning for the fourth time, their eyes already scanning the crowd for a familiar face.

On the second floor of the cafeteria, the "buddies" received their own tags. After sharing lunch, GHA students took their partners by the hand and headed toward the check-in board. At the photo booth, the Polaroid camera clicked repeatedly—some children flashed peace signs, while others needed a gentle, guiding hand to complete the simple gesture.

“I used to think children with autism were just like us in every way,” said Jacky, a G10 student. “But I realized there are unique challenges. Communication isn't always easy, and their mental age may be younger than their chronological age. It was eye-opening.”

Before this day, “autism” was an abstract concept to Jacky. That changed when he watched the children take the stage in the auditorium. “They performed a dance in perfect sync,” Jacky remarked. “I couldn’t believe it.” In that moment, the labels faded. He didn't see a diagnosis; he saw real people—people who get nervous, who persevere, and who smile with pride upon finishing a task.

The afternoon featured three interactive tasks designed for six teams. While the rules were simple, they required cooperation and patience. A subtle "hidden rule" was built into the games: you could complete a task for your teammate, but it would require double the effort. It was a metaphor for real life—connection begins the moment you are willing to go the extra mile for someone else.

Sally, a G11 student and Student Council President, was attending her fourth event. Though she was there to take photos, she spent much of the day holding the hand of a quiet child. “He held my hand the whole time—fingers interlocked,” Sally recalled. “He was sensitive to touch and found comfort in that connection.” She didn't pull away. From check-in to the final activity, she remained his guide and his "anchor."

The final activity was botanical embossing. In the art room, volunteers and teachers demonstrated the process. After practicing on bookmarks, they moved to white canvas bags, using leaves and flower stencils to create permanent art. “They were incredibly skilled and focused,” Sally noted. “Seeing the joy on the faces of the children and their parents when they finished was the highlight of the day.”

As the event wrapped up, Sally ran into a familiar boy named Xu Zhenxuan, a partner from a previous year. He recognized her immediately, asking: “Why aren’t you wearing your glasses today?” For Sally, that question was everything. It confirmed that the hands she held and the time she gave were remembered.

Looking ahead, Jacky noted, “I definitely want to do this again. I want to advocate for vulnerable groups in the future.”

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. This spring marked GHA’s third year walking alongside these “Star Kids.” In these three years, our students have learned the weight of empathy. Some have discovered a calling in education or psychology; others simply learned the value of a quiet afternoon spent holding a small hand.

These gains go far beyond traditional "charity." They are tangible: a green bookmark raised high in the air, a dance performed in unison, and the promise of "See you next time."

A Culture of Giving: A Note from Sally (G11)

“If you’ve walked through campus recently, you’ve likely seen our small pop-up stalls. No flashy decorations—just a few tables with snacks or plush toys. This is our everyday commitment to service. The funds we raise support supplies for Dazhai Town in Yunnan. We also run a book drive, connecting our community with kids in need of resources.

Once a year, we scale these efforts into our Annual Charity Fair, a festival-like event that funds our public welfare initiatives for the year. But it goes deeper than money. Last year in Guizhou, we taught art, music, and English. I still remember the smiles of the students who crowded around us, eager to learn.

From a single secondhand book to a teaching journey across the country, we are focused on one thing: taking the light we have on campus and sharing it with the world.”