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Chen Shaoqin, a volunteer on art, guides visitors atan art center in Beijing on March 8. [Photo byWANGWEI/for China Daily] |
At the age of 73, Chen Shaoqin from Beijing has shown the world how life should be lived.
Although she only had a middle school education, Chen began studying English at the age of40 and passed a college entrance exam, making herself from a factory worker to a white-collarclerk in an international trade company. Chen continued to study art after retirement(退休)and finally became an art guide at the age of 67. Over the past five years, she has guided visitors at anart center for three days a week, totaling 3, 500 hours.
From an old lady who knew nothing about modern art to a volunteer guide, Chen's hard workand love for learning have encouraged many people. She said that she must continue to learnbecause she did not understand that. As a guide, she is able to attend professional training coursesand has the chances to learn from artists and curators(馆长), which gives her encouragement to continue.
Chen has guided many exhibitions over the years, including those of famous artists like ZengFanzhi, Xu Bing, Qiu Zhijie and Pablo Picasso. She believes that every tour is a beautiful journeyand a new chance to learn and be moved. Her effort of learning and her ability to mix manysubjects have made her an excellent guide. After turning 73 this year, she believes that the widthof one's life can be expanded(扩展)through self-improvement and learning.
Chen Shaoqin is a best example that anyone can find their passion(热爱)and then learn, grow and share with others.
