Expo provides an opportunity to serve his country

My first introduction to the Expo 2010 Shanghai occurred during a casual conversation with a few of my friends in Los Angeles. The Expo, glorious and magnificent in all perspectives, serves as China's second chance to demonstrate its abilities on the world stage since the Beijing Olympics two years ago.

Related readings:  Volunteer's Expo journal in pictures  German volunteer  100 HK volunteers set to serve at Shanghai Expo  Volunteers lend a helping hand

Despite my ignorance of the event, I eagerly asked my father to sign me up as a volunteer. In my eyes, this rare opportunity presented itself as a chance for me to demonstrate my unwavering dedication to my country.

So as soon as the school year ended and summer arrived, I boarded a flight to Beijing on my way to Shanghai to be a part of the excitement of the Expo.

As volunteers, we are required to know basic geography of the Expo site, so for 24 hours the map of the Expo Garden was my only companion. The very next day would be my first meeting and, in my eagerness, I arrived three hours early. The Expo taxi passed the Japan Pavilion with the blue mascot, Haibao, in front of it. The scenic ride ended at the Expo Axis. The Expo Axis, like the rest of the buildings on the site, is magnificent and constructed on multiple levels.

With my first steps through the entrance, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. More importantly, I felt national pride once again. Further on, the stylish interior and the international appeal of the Expo Garden astonished me.

There were countless other people here as well. I assumed they all came here for one reason: to witness China's first Expo. These people were significant to me because they would be the recipients of my efforts at the Expo.

After witnessing the people and structures, I set out for my room in my recognizable uniform. The first person I met in the room was our team leader - a young woman in her 20s who studied law at Shanghai University. I soon befriended her and the other volunteers and, after the informal greetings, we set out on our tasks.

My job consisted of three parts: guiding visitors to their desired locations, answering questions about the Expo and maintaining order.

After several days of working at the Expo, I realized that there was just so much to learn, see and appreciate.

We soon discovered that our jobs weren't as easy as seemed on the brochures and the searing sun each day only added to our discomfort.

Although the weather had its revenge on our skin, we had fun.

I finished my job as a volunteer and I'm sure my team would agree with me when I say: I'm going to miss the place.

The author is a Chinese student who is studying in Beverly Hills High School in California.