Visualise this scenario:

There was something you never thought you could achieve. Circumstance pushed you to get it done. With effort and perseverance, you accomplished it. You came to realise that at times you are more powerful than you might believe.

Toward the end of March, 2021, a hike was organised for Year 11 students by YYHS. The trek covered over 25 kilometres. We had to walk from YYHS downtown, to YXHS, located in a suburban district. Each class had to go together as a team.

At the beginning of the hike, I was full of beans. I, together with one of my best friends, carried the class banner. Hearts soaring in the sky, we marched ahead briskly, as if there were a spring in our step, singing all the way. We were doing a variety of songs, from new raps to classics and even love songs. What fun it was!

About three hours into the hike, I sensed something had gone terribly wrong. The long trek gradually sapped my strength. My energy had almost run out, and my feet hurt. It turned out that I ended up with blisters on the soles. At times, it felt as if I were treading on pins and needles. There would still be at least 8 kilometres to go before we reached the destination. How could I possibly manage it?

I had to slow down but I did not give up. My friend Ruizhi suffered the same problem. The two of us, limping ahead together, encouraged each other to keep going. Each step forward was strenuous exertion. We had pushed ahead this way for ages when, all of a sudden, a gorgeous bridge came into view. It was the last challenge. Over 2 kilometres long, the bridge straddles the majestic river, Hanjiang.

With the last leg of the hike becoming more and more unbearable, we began to curse the school admin for organising the activity, while complaining about the painful experience. Despite that, we did not stop our steps. We did not even take a break.

It was hard to describe how we cajoled our feet into carrying our tired bodies across the seemingly endless bridge. When we took the last step off the bridge, we were bursting with pride. We made it! We made it! It was a great sense of accomplishment.

The lunch I had that day at the YXHS canteen tasted incredibly delicious, although it couldn’t compare with Mother’s cuisine. While devouring the meal on the tray, I reflected on the day’s events. I came to realise that you are more powerful than you might believe if you will stretch yourself a bit.