Wings
What's on your mind?
9-year-old Hao of Sichuan, China survived the terrible earthquake in May, then risked his life by going back into his school to pull two of his classmates out of the rubble. Acclaimed as a hero, Hao paraded into the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies with basketball superstar Yao Ming to thunderous applause.
During an interview, we asked Hao why he went back to rescue his classmates at the Yuzixi Primary School in Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the earthquake,he replied: "I was the hall monitor and it was my job to look after my classmates."
Q: “Weren’t you afraid?”
A: “I didn’t think of that.”
Q: "We heard that you encouraged your classmates to sing to keep their spirits up while you awaited rescue. What did you sing?”
A: “We sang <<Big China>>.”
Q: "Would you sing a few verses for us?”
A: “I am not a good singer…,” said he suddenly turning shy. “Well, I’ll give it a try.”
Verses: We have a home
Her name is China
With many brothers and sisters, and stunning scenery as well
In our home lies two dragons - the Yangtze River and the Yellow River
And we must not forget Mount Everest, the world's highest peak…
Q: " That was great, Hao! Based on your experience, do you have any thoughts you’d like to share with children from around the world who will be reading about you on our website?
A: "I just want to tell them that if they are ever in danger, try to remain calm. And think. If an earthquake happens and they get buried under a building like I did, look for the light and just keep crawling towards the light."
Just keep crawling towards the light …
Q: “We know you got hit by falling rubble and suffered injuries on your head and arms while trying to save your classmates. How are you feeling now?”
A: “I am fine now. The scar that was on my head can’t be seen now that my hair has grown back.”
Wonderful! So life is back to normal, more or less. When he isn’t busy going on TV shows (he is, after all, a hero now), Hao likes to play basketball and badminton with his sister and brother. He also loves video games, although he is trying to cut down because he spends too much time playing them. His favorite food is stir-fried eggs with tomato that his mom cooks for him.
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