On a frosty winter day, Yisheng Elementary School radiated warmth. Before the event began, staff members bustled around the library, setting the stage for the children to share their reading reflections. Meanwhile, I focused intently on capturing every moment of their hard work through my camera. Suddenly, a steaming bowl of longan and purple rice soup appeared in my frame. Looking up, I saw the principal holding the bowl, offering it to us with a warm smile. The sweet aroma and rich flavor not only warmed my hands but also touched my heart, renewing our energy to carry on.

Today marked the debut of Yisheng Elementary’s first-ever reading reflection competition, an event that also celebrated the grand opening of their newly built library. After months of effort and dedication, this cozy, book-filled haven had finally come to life. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a whimsical and child-friendly decor. Vibrant bookshelves brimming with books lined the room, while cheerful wall illustrations seemed to invite every visitor to explore. This library was more than just a space for books—it was a realm of dreams and inspiration. Every thoughtful detail reflected the community’s love for Yisheng Elementary, opening a window to the world for the children and adding a vibrant touch of hope to the campus.

During the competition, six students shared their reflections in unique and heartfelt ways. The first student presented The Earth Is Getting Hotter. Normally lively and energetic, he appeared shy on stage but delivered his message with sincerity. He described the impact of global warming on polar bears and urged everyone to take action by reducing air conditioning use and choosing public transportation. His quiet determination conveyed the importance of environmental protection and earned the admiration of the audience.

The second student shared Only We Can Save the Earth. Despite his small stature, he captured everyone’s attention with a vivid analogy: “The shrinking Arctic is like a fat person getting thinner.” His humor and focus brought the crisis of melting glaciers to life, sparking both laughter and thoughtful reflection. His clear articulation and passionate eyes revealed a deep care for the environment, showing the immense power within his small frame.

The books the children shared were gifts from their visit to National Central University. These books became more than just reading materials—they turned into bridges of wisdom and inspiration. The children’s simple yet profound words encouraged us to reevaluate our everyday choices. On this day, the transformative power of reading was beautifully showcased.

After all six presentations, we awaited the judges’ results while reliving the year’s activities through a slideshow of photos taken at Yisheng Elementary. Each image captured moments of children’s smiles, heartfelt efforts, and laughter resonating through the campus, preserving these as timeless memories. The host then asked, “Kids, have you noticed that there’s always a big sister with a camera documenting your activities?” In unison, the children replied, “Yes!” They turned toward me, shouting, “Thank you, big sister!” Their pure smiles and genuine gratitude instantly melted away all my fatigue.

That day was filled with the warmth of hot soup, the inspiration of reading, the preservation of memories through images, and an outpouring of emotion. The children of Yisheng Elementary reminded me of the profound value of documentation. Photographs are not just collections of memories; they are vessels of love and hope. I will continue to capture these beautiful moments with my camera, sharing their magic with even more people. The growth stories of Yisheng Elementary will forever remain among my most cherished memories and greatest sources of inspiration.