By: Tang Yifeng,
Class 1, Grade 2024
Special Education Department of Shanghai Nanhu Vocational School
On the afternoon of Friday, September 17, 2025, our school organized all students to visit the Shanghai Museum of Anti-Drug Scientific Education.
As I walked into the museum, the first thing I saw was photos of drugs. Looking at them, I realized: though drugs seem far from our daily lives, some people might disguise them and put them in our drinks. Even in crowded or chaotic places, we must stick to one rule: "Never drink water that has been out of your sight." The best way to stay safe is to stay alert and avoid unregulated, crowded areas.
In the museum's interactive zone, I tried a simulation system that shows how people look after taking drugs. After I selected a type of drug, my face on the screen quickly aged---deep wrinkles appeared, and my eyes looked dull. The whole process took only a few seconds, but it sent a chill down my spine. This visual impact was more powerful than any lecture. Drugs are no longer a "distant story" about others; they could hurt me.
The most moving part of the visit was the real-case exhibition area, which records lives ruined by drugs: a talented programmer developed schizophrenia due to drug use; a college student turned to robbery to buy drugs; a mother accidentally hurt her child after taking drugs. Each true story touched my heart deeply.
In the anti-drug history section, I learned about the disasters drugs brought to modern China. From the Opium Wars to the whole nation's anti-drug efforts today; from the lack of legal support in the past to strong legal protection now---the Chinese nation has never stopped fighting drugs. These exhibits remind us: fighting drugs is not just a personal choice, but a national responsibility and historical mission.
I also learned that the Humen Opium Destruction, led by Lin Zexu in the 1830s, was China's first large-scale, organized anti-drug campaign. Lin Zexu's work helps us, as descendants, understand how deeply drugs harm national health, economic stability, and national security. Later, carrying on Lin Zexu's spirit, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have taken anti-drug work seriously since the founding of the People's Republic of China. They have cracked down hard on drug crimes and promoted national anti-drug education. We should not only inherit Lin Zexu's anti-drug spirit but also put it into our daily lives.
We can learn about new drugs' disguised forms, their serious harms, and related laws through official channels and reliable media. We must not believe lies like "one use won't make you addicted." Setting positive life goals and pursuing a healthy lifestyle is the fundamental way to resist drug temptation. We should stay away from people with bad habits---especially drug addicts---and spend more time with positive, life-loving friends. We can also relieve stress and find happiness through healthy hobbies like sports, reading, art, music, and outdoor activities, making our lives full and meaningful.
When I left the museum, the hot sun shone on my face. I suddenly understood "freedom" in a new way: true freedom is not doing whatever you want, but having the ability to refuse things that enslave you. Those trapped in drug darkness may have thought "just one try" was harmless, but they didn't know one try could change their whole life.
The museum is like a mirror, showing human weaknesses and social responsibilities. Anti-drug education is not fear-based propaganda; it awakens people's respect for life. Walking out of the museum, my mind felt heavy, but my heart felt lighter---because those who clearly see darkness will cherish the light of life even more.
Last Friday, our head teacher laid out the selection criteria for awards including "Outstanding Student", "Active Participant in Club Activities", and "Excellent Student Cadre of the Student Union". I was brimming with excitement, and the "Nanhu Star" award in particular sparked some reflections of my own.
As a special honor that embodies the school's ethos, the "Nanhu Star" award includes a category called "Sunshine Star". To me, "sunshine" first and foremost denotes a positive, optimistic mindset. A positive attitude unlocks our potential: when confronting challenges, it acts like a beacon, illuminating the path forward and guiding us toward solutions. Optimism, meanwhile, is an art of living---it teaches us to glean wisdom from every setback and uncover opportunities for growth amid hardships.
Embracing life means meeting all manner of difficulties with an open heart and a willing spirit. Life is rarely smooth sailing; when headwinds arise, we should learn to emulate sailboats---harnessing the power of those winds to ride the waves and forge ahead bravely. I can cultivate self-regulation: when faced with challenges or hardships, I can alleviate stress through reading, traveling, listening to music, and other activities, allowing my mood to unwind and lift.
Being positive and optimistic is more than just a slogan---it's a way of life. When we choose to approach life with such a mindset, we discover that every day is brimming with infinite possibilities. Let us embrace life actively, keep forging ahead, and leave firm yet light footsteps on the journey of our lives.
By Tang Yifeng
Today, allow me to launch the Chinese Down Syndrome Ambassador Column with three heartwarming stories, showcasing the growth pictures of children with Down syndrome in China.
1. The First Beam of Light: Life Blooming on Stage
In Shanghai Longevity Nursing Home, a shelter full of love and care, children were giving a happy performance. UFDC has organized art troupes in Shanghai and Hangzhou, called the Klee Klee Art Troupe, also known as Take it Easy Art Troupe.
Before our performance, we brainstormed and came up with many great ideas. During the official performance, we shared the beautiful afternoon with the elderly. What impressed me most was a 103-year-old grandmother. Despite her seniorocity, she took out a notebook densely filled with English songs from her small bag, took the microphone, and sang as she did in her youth, hitting the high notes perfectly. Everyone stretched themselves freely in the songs and games. This is the wonderful moment between a group of little angels and the elderly!
2. The Second Pleasant Surprise: Seeing the World from the lens of China's Down Syndrome people
I believe that everyone, including those with Down syndrome, has their own unique perspective of the world. In the 2025 Down Syndrome Photography Contest, I hope everyone can use photos to tell their views, thoughts, or stories.
I also have my own perspective. I live in Shanghai, a promising first-tier city with many modern high-rise buildings and traditional old buildings. I wonder if showing the unique perspective of China's tradition and modernity to the world can not only carry forward Chinese traditional culture but also make a sharp contrast between the two. I hope my photos can make everyone understand my intention.
3. The Third Experience: Personal Growth Experience Inspires China's Down Syndrome
Now I am an international Down Syndrome ambassador, playing a "bridge" role: not only to help China's Down syndrome community understand the world but also to help the global Down syndrome community know what our country's Down syndrome community is doing. I have an idea: I want to share my growth experience with you, hoping it encourages everyone never to give up easily!
Dear Mom,
Mother's Day is coming soon. I know very well that you are an excellent and responsible insurance agent. I always see you talking youself hoarse, yet still making calls to your clients. You are going on a business trip to Wuhan next Thursday and Friday. Every time you go on a business trip, I worry about you at home. I'm concerned about your back injury, whether you'll become extremely hoarse, or if you'll have the time to eat meals.... I know that you work so hard outside for our family and for me. But I want to tell you that first and foremost, you are yourself, then you are Dad's wife, and then you are my mombefore you are an insurance agent. You don't need to forget to take care of yourself just to please others. Besides going to bed early during your breaks from work, you can also do something that you like, such as spending time with Dad and me. Mom, I want to tell you that you are doing an amazing job. You are still my mom who loves beauty so much. I hope that you can be the person who always pleases yourself. Mom, your hard work has dispelled the darkness in our lives. Although you are not the sun, you have given me a life warmer than the sunlight. I love you, Mom!
Your son, Tang Yifeng