On May 14, outside of the university gate, Zhao Danning, a postgraduate student from the College of Intelligence and Computing greeted her hero -- her 52-year-old father Zhao Baoren, who rode more than 2,000 kilometers from his hometown of Heilongjiang Province within 13 days to visit his daughter in Tianjin.
Six years ago, before Zhao Danning set off for the college, her father wished her a good and meaningful college life and promised to visit her by bike one day. Back then, she did not take the promise seriously. It takes a day and a night by train from her hometown to Tianjin, not to mention by bike.“How is that possible?” Zhao thought.
But bearing her father’s words in mind, Zhao Danning worked hard and the past six years has witnessed her growth and excellentperformance. She has won many honors and awards, like the national scholarship, TJU Outstanding Student Pacesetter, Top Ten Outstanding Youths of TJU and the Excellent League Member of Tianjin Municipality. She was selected to be one of the students assistance of the university president and chose to be a volunteer teacher in Gansu Province for a year.
Zhao Baoren was proud of her daughter’s achievements and decided to fulfill his promise. He started his bicycle trip from Mishan city, Heilongjiang Province in early May and reached Tianjin University in 13 days.
It was a tough and trying journey, but Mr. Zhao never gave up.“ I want to show my girl that I mean what I said. Once we make a commitment, we should keep our words and try our best to fulfill it.” said Mr. Zhao.
Inspired by her father, Zhao Danning is fond of such sports as cycling and skiing.“Sports builds me up, both physically and psychologically. Whatever difficulties or challenges I run to, I remind myself of my father’s motto—hang in there”.
“It is hardly imaginable for anyone to finish such a long trip of more than 2,000 kilometers by bike. My father is a great hero in my heart”, Zhao Danning said excitedly.
By Zhang Qingluan
Editor: Eva Yin
