January 8th, 2021 is a day that could be written into the history of Duke Kunshan University. Upon the sudden temperature drop, the lake froze entirely for the first time. The aquamarine lake surface was clear and smooth as if the lake were a grand emerald. Unlike the former days, the algae stopped waltzing with the waves and had frozen into elegant statues underwater.
The view was absolutely breathtaking, but appreciating it required sacrifice. I opened the door at the Conference Center, and the sudden harsh and chilling wind almost peeled my skin off. I walked along the path to the Academic Building, anxiously trying to move faster to get inside, but the coldness seemed to prevent me from doing so. As a result I staggered down the path like a tortoise in a 50m dash.
Sunlight peeked out through the clouds at noon, filling the crowded Innovation Center. Ice on the lake surface was so thick that people could easily stand on it. Friends from Hunan and Guangzhou (southern parts of China) were excited to walk on the ice as they had seldom experienced this before. Seeing them toddling on ice like fifth graders, I felt so joyful and regained my curiosity and appreciation of life.
Unfortunately, the sudden winter weather brought disasters on campus as well. Pipes in the Student Resident Hall had burst, and the escaping water was flowing through the hallways. As water droplets dripped from the ceiling, people hurried to pump water out of the building. A similar disaster at halal canteen caused the cafeteria to shut down for half a day.
Above all, the day was full of surprises and shocks. A suggestion for all the students who have not yet come to Duke Kunshan University: bring a down coat with you!
Section Editor: Mia Meier
Section: Student Life
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