Hao Yang’s Profile Series, Part Two: Born in the ’90s, Spreading Positive Energy

Release date:

2017-11-29

Since last September, except for returning home for the Lunar New Year, Li Shuaishuai, a construction worker in the engineering department, has been working on the front lines of a landfill closure project in Chongqing for 14 consecutive months. As everyone knows, landfill closure can only begin once the site has been fully filled with waste—so you can imagine what that environment is like…

　　On Li Shuaishuai’s social media feed, he posted two photos at different times: one from last year, showing him as a handsome, sun-kissed young man, and another taken recently while he was working on a construction site. Let’s take a look and compare:

　　He said, “Whether I look good or not doesn’t matter—just don’t let it interfere with the company’s work! Once I get back and spruce myself up, I’ll look clean and handsome again!” In fact, his WeChat Moments don’t contain much content; the few posts he does share read like this:

　　“After finishing work today, I went to buy some food all dirty and grubby, and the shopkeeper kicked me out…”

　　“Eating hot pot by myself—everyone laughs at me.”

　　“I’ve got a cold and I feel awful.”

　　“I only remembered three days after the birthday.”

　　“I’m truly exhausted—I just want to go home!”

　　To be honest, for a young man born in 1995 to stick with one task for 14 straight months without giving up is no small feat. What’s more, during those 14 months, Li Shuaishuai spent nearly every day at the landfill, enduring Chongqing’s sweltering, suffocating heat, the stench that hung heavy over the dump, and an environment where pesticides were sprayed around the clock. On top of that, he had to endure the endless loneliness deep in the mountains—dirty and disheveled, yet still treated with suspicion by others.

　　Although Li Shuaishuai was occasionally weighed down by loneliness, homesickness, physical discomfort, and mental and emotional exhaustion, he never backed down. His company leaders reassured him, “Hang in there—victory is just around the corner,” to which he promptly replied, “Understood—please rest assured, leaders!” When faced with his responsibilities, he was able to adjust himself promptly, prioritize the bigger picture, and resolutely follow the organization’s arrangements.

　　We all know that the post‑95 generation has grown up in a different environment, with distinct perspectives and needs. For most born in the 1990s, considerations often revolve around whether they like something, whether it interests them, and whether they want to do it. Meanwhile, someone like Li Shuaishuai—possessing a strong sense of responsibility, an optimistic outlook, and an unwavering commitment—is truly rare at his age. He is a role model in each of our hearts, and we should learn from him!

　　At present, Li Shuaishuai continues to work on the front lines, pursuing his career and doing his part to protect the environment. Keep it up, Shuaishuai—we’re with you!