How should one spend their life? How should one spend their youth? For 44-year-old Fan Zhanguo, the answer lies in his footsteps as he packs his bags and heads to the western frontier.
On January 8th, Shuanghe City, the Fifth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, was blanketed in snow. Despite this winter wonderland, Fan Zhanguo had no time to appreciate it. His days were packed with lectures, classroom visits, and heart-to-heart talks with students: "Things at school can't be taken lightly; every detail must be handled properly."
In 2007, Fan Zhanguo graduated from Shangqiu Normal University and signed up to become a volunteer in the Western China Development Program. The long journey of more than 3,000 kilometers from the fertile plains of eastern Henan to Hami became a heavy concern in his father's heart.
The father worriedly advised, "Xinjiang has strong winds and sandstorms, scorching sun, and heavy snow in winter. You are the eldest son in the family, why not become a teacher in Shangqiu and take care of the family? Why go to the far northwest?"
Fan Zhanguo said firmly, "I am a Party member, and it is my duty to take the lead in going to the places where the motherland needs me most. Don't worry, I will only go for a year, and then I will come back."
"During my junior year of college, the stories my teacher told about the struggles of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in reclaiming wasteland and defending the border deeply moved me. Especially after learning that the children on the farm urgently needed teachers, I longed to come to Xinjiang to realize my ideal of teaching and educating people." Fan Zhanguo recalled that during his year of service at Hongshan Farm of the 13th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the children's clear eyes, the herdsmen's enthusiasm, and the care of his colleagues made him feel very warm.
When his service period ended, students, parents, and colleagues earnestly asked him to stay, and Fan Zhanguo agreed after some thought.
In July 2008, Fan Zhanguo became a political and ideological education teacher at the Fifth Division Senior High School of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (the Fifth Division Branch of Huanggang Middle School).
Upon hearing the news, his girlfriend, who lived far away in Henan, broke up with Fan Zhanguo. Friends and family also urged him to return home, but Fan Zhanguo hesitated. Three days later, he texted his father: "Dad, I'm not leaving. The children here can't live without me, and I don't want to leave them."
After staying, Fan Zhanguo's original aspiration became even stronger: since he came to Xinjiang, he should make a difference and help more children leave Xinjiang and see the wider world.
Fan Zhanguo devoted himself wholeheartedly to education, serving successively as deputy secretary of the school's Youth League Committee, director of the office, and vice principal. To build a strong teaching staff, he spearheaded the establishment of a renowned teacher studio, implemented the "Mentorship Program" and the "Master Teacher Training Plan," and cultivated a large number of teaching backbones through the "bringing in and sending out" model. The teachers have repeatedly achieved excellent results in national and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps-level teaching competitions.
"Education is not only about teaching, but also about nurturing people." Fan Zhanguo upholds the concept of "accompanying education" and has created the "heart-to-heart talk" moral education brand. He focuses on the all-round development of students, improves activity venues, builds practical platforms, regularly carries out cultural and sports activities, and encourages students to express their feelings through letters and grow together.
In 2023, Fan Zhanguo became the Party Secretary of the school. That year, two students successfully realized their dream of attending Tsinghua University, and many others were admitted to their ideal universities. Seeing the admission notices arriving from all over the country, parents beamed with joy, and Fan Zhanguo felt immensely gratified: "This is the meaning of my decision to stay. Seeing the children change their destiny through knowledge makes all the sacrifices worthwhile."
In his spare time, Fan Zhanguo often strolls around the campus, and looking at the students' energetic faces, he is always reminded of himself back then. "I am glad that I chose to settle down in Xinjiang." He frankly admits that he has now adapted to the Xinjiang climate, fallen in love with the local food, and has a happy family—his father is living a comfortable life by his side, his wife supports his career, and his son is growing up healthily.
Shi Liuyun/Bai Sujun, reporter of Xinjiang Daily
Source: Xinjiang Daily
