On Nov. 26, the UWCCSC campus was filled with a long-missed sense of warmth and liveliness. As part of Diversability Week, Flowers for Algernon Zhixing welcomed students from Changshu Special Education School onto campus for a “Career Experience Day” centered on companionship, exploration, and hands-on experience.

Although every child was different, they all shared the same enthusiasm and curiosity about the world. For many of them, this visit marked a new step in exploring unfamiliar environments. We hoped that our campus could become one small but meaningful stop in their journey of discovery.

Arriving on Campus

At 14:30, the children departed from Changshu Special Education School and arrived on campus with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. FFA volunteers greeted them warmly at the school gate and, after a brief introduction, guided them on a campus tour.

The children walked along the main pathways, through teaching buildings, dormitory areas, and sports facilities, many of which they had never encountered before. Along the way, they eagerly asked questions, observed their surroundings, and shared thoughts with one another. Their curiosity made every corner of the campus feel more alive.

For them, this was a gentle first encounter with an unfamiliar environment. The relaxed pace of the tour helped ease tension and created a positive atmosphere for the activities that followed.

Before the experience sessions began, FFA members had carefully planned a clear and flexible activity structure. The goal was to ensure that every child could participate comfortably, without pressure, while maintaining a smooth and engaging flow throughout the afternoon.

After the tour, the career experience activities officially began. The children gathered at the Glasshouse, where they were regrouped by age, introduced to new teammates, and given a simple overview of the day’s activities. Each group rotated through all activities so that every child could experience each task fully.

1. Ice Jelly Making

The first station was ice jelly making, held at Sodexo. As soon as the children entered, they noticed the neatly arranged ingredients and bowls on the tables and eagerly took their seats.

FFA members Xiao Yang and Xiao Fu introduced five toppings: coconut jelly, red beans, taro balls, peanuts, and hawthorn. They helped the children recognize each ingredient by matching pictures with real items. Many children confidently pointed out toppings they recognized, while others—encouraged by volunteers—successfully identified new ones on their own.

Next came the assembly process. The steps were simple and clear:

  1. Break the ice jelly
  2. Add toppings
  3. Pour the syrup

With volunteer guidance, the children followed each step carefully. Some even learned to read simple “orders,” distinguishing between brown sugar syrup and coconut milk. Each completed bowl was met with applause, high-fives, and proud smiles. Some children enjoyed their own creations, while others made ice jelly for volunteers or parents. The sweetness of the dessert was matched by the joy it brought.

This activity was designed to develop basic employment skills, such as ingredient recognition, sorting, and following sequential instructions. More importantly, the children experienced encouragement, achievement, and genuine happiness.

2. Food Delivery Experience

For the delivery activity, each child received a completed bowl of ice jelly and a “delivery task card.” Their mission was to place the dessert at the correct location based on the description. Directional signs placed around campus became their “treasure maps.”

Many children demonstrated impressive spatial awareness—often identifying directions with just a quick glance. Some paused to compare signs carefully, while others suddenly ran toward the correct destination with confidence.

When they finally placed the ice jelly at the target spot, their sense of accomplishment was unmistakable. Smiles spread instantly, accompanied by clapping and excited jumps. Volunteers shared in their joy, exchanging high-fives. The activity was filled with warmth, sunlight, and encouragement.

3. Flyers

The flyer station began with a drawing activity. FFA members Xiao Pan and Xiao Hu invited the children to draw what they imagined ice jelly to look like. When asked what ingredients belonged inside, the children responded enthusiastically—red beans, taro balls, and many creative ideas.

The children worked carefully, coloring and decorating their flyers. Some drew generous bowls of ice jelly, while others added flowers, people, or landscapes. Each completed flyer was celebrated with high-fives.

Next came flyer distribution. The children practiced to communicate telling customers that there are ice jelly selling in the cafeteria for 10 yuan each.After practicing with volunteers, they headed to the Grass Circle to share their hand-drawn flyers with passers-by. With gentle prompts from others, the children successfully communicated the key information. Every flyer received warm responses, and the children felt proud of their successful interactions.

This station focused on communication skills, helping children practice verbal expression, confidence, and independence through positive reinforcement.

4. Bracelet Packaging

Another experience was bracelet packaging, not just crafting, but creating a “home” for a bracelet.

FFA members prepared bracelets, kraft paper envelopes, stickers, and markers. The children folded pre-creased paper into small envelopes, placed the bracelets inside, sealed them, and decorated freely. Each envelope became a unique piece of artwork, reflecting the child’s imagination and personality.

Though the steps were simple, children showed deep focus and creativity. In the quiet moments of drawing and decorating, their pride in completing a task was evident. This gentle activity added calmness to the day and allowed the children to find joy through creation.

Closing Reflections

Finally, the day concluded with laughter, running footsteps, and shared memories. The children left campus carrying their handmade items, a sense of accomplishment, and fresh curiosity about a new environment. Their presence brought a warmth and energy that lingered on campus long after they left.

Some tasted ice jelly they made themselves. Some handed out colorful flyers. Some completed their first “delivery.” Some designed a limited-edition bracelet package. Some asked endless questions during the campus tour. Every moment made the day more significant, vivid, and heartfelt.

November 26 was not only a day for children to explore the world, it was also a day for the UWCCSC community to rediscover the power of diversity. We look forward to many more warm, sincere, slightly chaotic, but genuinely joyful encounters like this in the future.

Author：Joy 谢佳凝 & Tony 童彦凯
Photographer：Viviana 宋芊仪 & Oscar 陈梓钦 & Cathy 林可欣
Editor：April 杨佳炘

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