SCHOOL LIFESCHOOL LIFE
On a Wednesday afternoon at UEIS (United Education International School), the campus was filled with Halloween excitement and the aroma of roasted treats. Students dressed as classic characters like Chucky and the Slit-Mouthed Woman shared the hallways with faculty who joined in the spirit with creative costumes. The afternoon carnival was led by UEIS high school mentors, who teamed up with local elementary children from the Zhuangwei English program for an energetic campus adventure. Starting with color-matching trivia bingo and memory card games, and continuing through charades, Twister, and the spider-web rescue, the older students naturally slowed their pace, knelt beside the younger children, and guided them step by step.
The energy peaked during the final relay, a challenge where teams had to retrieve plastic spiders from trays filled with flour using only their mouths. Without hesitation, high schoolers and elementary kids dipped their faces into the white powder, emerging with flour dusting their eyelashes, cheeks, and noses. The sight of everyone covered in white powder broke every trace of hesitation. The younger kids burst into spontaneous laughter seeing their older mentors looking so goofy. In adolescent psychology and experiential learning, shared vulnerability is often the fastest path to genuine rapport. By setting aside their self-consciousness, the high schoolers created a safe, welcoming environment where teamwork came naturally.
The day wrapped up in the dining hall, where Chef De had prepared a special Halloween-themed dinner. Spooky shapes and comforting dishes filled the tables, giving everyone a warm space to recharge and chat about the afternoon. With traces of white flour still on their faces, the children sat side by side, sharing food and laughter. This was more than just a holiday gathering. At UEIS, leadership is practiced in everyday moments where students learn to care for others, step out of their comfort zones, and build authentic connections within their community.
