Current location:sport >>
Illuminating Each Child’s Future
sport6175People have gathered around
IntroductionContact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom ...
- Home
- News
- People
- In-depth
- ACWF
Illuminating Each Child’s Future
December 10, 2023Zhao Shubin's mother with her grandchildren. The photo was taken in 1988, in front of Zhao's family's automobile-repair shop. The green car was the first automobile repaired in the shop. |
Zhao Shubin has worked as a film and TV director with CCTV (China Central Television) and Beijing Radio & Television Station (BRTV). Some of his documentaries are housed in the Capital Library of China (in Beijing).
Zhao Shubin's family poses for a photo in 2000, on the site of their former residence. The dilapidated house was pulled down not long ago, as part of Wuhai's resettlement project. |
During the 1960s, our family moved from Baoding (a city in North China's Hebei Province) to Wuhai (a city in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region). Within a short time, my father began working as a miner. My mother was as busy as a bee; in addition to working in a coking plant, she took care of eight children. Influenced by our parents, we (my siblings and I) and our children have grown to be independent individuals, who are enthusiastic about life, and who are always eager to learn.
Buying 'Luxury Item'
During the 1970s, taking a family photo (during an important holiday) was "luxury entertainment" for an average Chinese family. However, Zhao Shukai (my second-oldest brother) and Zhao Shusen (my third-oldest brother) had already taken many photos with our family's "Seagull" (a Chinese brand) camera.
At that time, most Chinese had their pictures taken in photo studios. Therefore, our camera was a rarity. Zhao Shukai and Zhao Shusen took delight in snapping photos for our neighbors. During the following several decades, my brothers have used the camera to take numerous pictures (for our family), which have faithfully recorded the developments of and changes in our family.
You might wonder how our parents, who tightened their belts and supported their eight children, managed to buy such a "luxury item" during the 1970s. My father volunteered to work underground (in the coal mine) — a dangerous, dirty and tiring job — so he could earn more money. To save money, my mother made our clothes. Despite the hardships, our parents tried their best to satisfy our spiritual needs.
Returning Lambs to Neighbor
Although they had little formal education, our parents exerted a gradual, imperceptible influence on us in everything they said and did. One day (when we were little children), one of our neighbors offered two lambs (as presents) to Zhao Shukai and Zhao Guiling (my third-oldest sister), when they played in the neighbor's house. However, as Mom insisted we must not accept undeserved presents (from others), my brother and sister had to return the lambs to the neighbor.
To help us increase our knowledge and cultivate our reading habits, our parents subscribed to People's Daily. Reading the newspaper became our family's routine, every day after dinner. We took turns reading the articles (chosen by Dad in the newspaper), and then we exchanged views on the related issues. We also enjoyed listening to stories told by Dad.
Developing Our Careers
My family has had a decades-long affinity with automobiles. During the 1980s, few Chinese could repair automobiles. In 1988, Zhao Shulin, my fourth-eldest brother went to Shijiazhuang (a city in Hebei Province), to attend a training course, so he could learn the skills needed to repair automobiles. Soon after, he and Luo Hongde, my eldest brother-in-law, established an automobile repair shop (in Wuhai).
The following year, our family bought a van. Within a short time, we began providing taxi services. When I turned 18 (in 1987), I became the youngest taxi driver in Wuhai.
During the 1970s and 1980s, when "iron rice bowls," or lifelong jobs with benefits, were prevalent in China, our parents led us in starting our own businesses. During that period, we tried our luck in various businesses, including growing mushrooms, raising fish and chickens, and establishing a plant dedicated to making and selling soda drinks.
Given his diligence and wisdom, Zhao Shutong, my eldest brother, quickly honed his driving skills, after he was employed, in 1967, as a worker with a factory (in Wuhai). Within a short time, he became a truck driver for the factory. In 1979, he was employed as a manager by a laborservice company.
Zhao Gui'e, my eldest sister, began working at a local cement plant in 1970. Given her outstanding achievements, she has received many titles, including being named a March 8th Red-Banner Holder and a Model Worker in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Influenced by our parents, both of whom has a pioneering spirit, all of my brothers have started their own enterprises. During the past several decades, my brothers have all strived to realize their potential (as businessmen), and to achieve success in their careers.
Our parents began studying at universities for the elderly (in Wuhai) several years ago, as they were turning 80. Many of their calligraphies and paintings have earned them prizes during provincial and municipal art contests. Our parents have proved, with their actions, the importance of lifelong learning. Now, all of their grandchildren (more than 10) have been admitted to universities (in various regions of the country). That is our parents' greatest source of pride.
I was moved to tears when Mom told me (one afternoon several years ago) that she often prayed for her children and grandchildren to have good luck. Despite the passage of time, and the changes in our lives, we have always treasured our parents' virtues, which have become our big family's valuable "assets."
Photos Supplied by Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly July 2023 issue)
32.3KPlease understand that womenofchina.cn,a non-profit, information-communication website, cannot reach every writer before using articles and images. For copyright issues, please contact us by emailing: [email protected]. The articles published and opinions expressed on this website represent the opinions of writers and are not necessarily shared by womenofchina.cn.
Comments
Magazines
Projects
- 2023 Women Science and Technology Innovation Pioneer...
Photos
- People Enjoy Blooming Tulips in Jinan, East...
- Flowers Bloom Across China in Spring
Special Coverage
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“World Window news portal”。http://syria.gigirondeau.com/news-25c399907.html
Related articles
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
sportNEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease ...
【sport】
Read morePluck and Moxie! Trailblazer Dedicated to Saving Lives During Emergencies
sportContact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom ...
【sport】
Read moreRising Tennis Star Makes History, Aims to Return Stronger
sportContact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom ...
【sport】
Read more
Popular articles
- Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
- Protecting Children's Safety
- Federation's Role in Advancing Children's All
- Virtues 'Cultivate' Family Members into Better People
- Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
- Chinese Woman Inspires Generations with Revolutionary Stories
Latest articles
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Young Conductor Dedicated to Improving Services on China
Pluck and Moxie! Trailblazer Dedicated to Saving Lives During Emergencies
How China Transformed into a Leading Economy
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
Woman Guards 'Neurons' of China's High
LINKS
- Scottish government survives vote of no confidence
- Iraqi Shiite militia claims drone attack on Israeli
- How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 5/1/2024
- At least 40 killed as dam bursts in Kenya amid heavy downpour
- SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft returns to Earth with scientific experiments
- China, Vietnam hold 8th border defense friendship exchange
- Farmer who demolished a 17th century Grade II listed dovecote without permission is fined £45,000
- Dozens of pro
- Dozens of pro
- Chinese projects in Philippines yield tangible results, benefit locals