Peking University, February 23, 2022:  As an effort to contribute to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Peking University (PKU) has dispatched student volunteers, performing in the opening ceremony or serving at various gaming venues. They have already dedicated months to achieving the success of this event. We are honoured to interview with some of them and to bring their stories here.

PROFILE


Yitian Kate Sun Escobar, is a third-year student at PKU School of Sociology. Kate was selected to be a volunteer at the National Aquatics Center for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Having been involved in numerous volunteer activities over the past few years, volunteering isn't something she is new to. Kate has been involved with the Social Work Service Center for the Elderly and the Youth Association; has helped with implementing COVID-19 preventative measures in PKU canteens; has served as a student assistant in Peking University's International Student Office, guiding new international students to apply for registration and visa; and has also served as a student assistant in the International Student and Scholar Center branch of the PKU Library, providing assistance to students and teachers who come to the library to read and study.

Merging her love for the Olympic games with her passion for volunteering

As someone who has dedicated so many hours to volunteering service in her life, volunteering is almost second nature to her. However, Kate says that this volunteering experience is different since it is her first experience volunteering at such a large-scale international event. She feels honoured and humbled to be given such an opportunity.


Kate's enthusiasm and passion were evident as she described her volunteer work. As a part of her role as a volunteer, one of her responsibilities was to greet the crowd outdoors at the entrance to the venue, check tickets, and provide any information regarding the games to the crowd.

There is no shortage of cold for this year's Olympics, with temperatures averaging about 1 degree Celsius. This meant that many of the volunteers had to perform their duties in cold temperatures. Kate says that despite it getting chilly sometimes, she doesn't mind, as the excitement of being at the Olympics games overrides this. She says that she is thankful to be surrounded by a very supportive team that makes sure that their posts are alternated every so often, ensuring that all of them are well taken care of.


"When I was seven, I was introduced to the Olympics by my father, who used to ask us to watch the Olympics with him as a family". Kate sees the Olympics as more than just a chance to watch extraordinary athletes compete in a variety of exciting games; she sees it as an opportunity for her family to gather in front of the TV and spend time together. 14 years later, Kate has succeeded in merging her love for the Olympic games with her passion for volunteering, and though this year she will not be able to view the games with her family, she knows they will be watching the games proudly knowing that Kate is right at the venue, helping out with the games.

A celebration of diversity, friendship, and unity

Taking on the role of volunteer at the Olympics meant she and other volunteers had to also give up celebrating Chinese New Year with family and friends. The PKU volunteer team gathered for a mini celebration on their own, making everyone feel at home during the festive holiday. Without a doubt, this experience has given Kate the chance to meet new friends from different cultures and countries and foster connections with them in this global sporting event that is all about diversity, friendship, and unity.

Kate says that the cheerful and vibrant environment of the games has positively inspired her; every day, she sees people enter the stadium with excitement and anticipation written on their faces and depart with a huge smile, often leaving messages of appreciation and new year's best wishes for the volunteers. "That brightens my day. Something so simple, yet it means so much to me to know that our efforts have been noticed and appreciated," The weather may be cold outside, but hearts are definitely warm inside. "By volunteering for others, we gain a sense of accomplishment and happiness, not just in the pursuit of our own interests," Kate explains.


Kate embodies the spirit of PKU youth—a readiness to offer and devote time and energy to community development and cultural exchange. We applaud Kate and all our PKU volunteers at the Beijing 2020 Winter Olympics for their devotion and hard work!

Rapid-fire questions

Q1 Describe this experience in one word.

LOVE!

Q2 What was the best part of being a volunteer of the Beijing Winter Olympics?

Being a part of the Olympic experience.

Q3 What is your favourite Winter Olympics Sport?

Curling!

Journalist & Writer: June Tan Rui Min
Editor: Amanda Hu
Designer: Pu Hairui