Recently, a student at Baoan High School in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, who is engaged in intense preparation for the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, wrote a letter to the school requesting the removal of bird nests on campus, citing disturbance from bird songs. Rather than granting the request, the school's principal responded with an open letter, turning the moment into an impromptu life lesson. This exchange between the student and the principal has sparked heated online discussions.

Pan Gaofeng (Xinmin Evening News): If following the usual logic, the school could have simply removed the bird nests, which might have brought it a reputation for being considerate toward students. However, the principal has picked a more difficult path. He acknowledged the student's complaint but did not bend to it. He turned a grievance about disturbance into a life lesson about coexistence.

The principal is aware the gaokao is approaching and that the students are under strain. He is wise in pointing out that nature follows its own rhythm, disturbances can become memories and students should learn to engage with the world around them. His aim was to tell students that the world does not revolve around their schedule and that they must learn to coexist with discomfort. The gaokao not only tests students' knowledge, but also their composure, mindset and overall resilience—because in the long journey of life ahead, no one will clear away all the noises for them.

The student's concerns were not unreasonable. Under extreme pressure, sensitivity to sound is a physiological response. The principal suggested reframing the bird songs as natural white noise or even a "dusk concert"—a chance to rest and reset between study sessions. Truly warm education requires both adherence to principles and practical guidance.

Editorial (Gmw.cn): The communication between the student and the principal was commendable. In writing the open letter, the principal chose to communicate and negotiate with students as equals to reach a solution that balances ecological concerns with students' practical difficulties. What it teaches students is not only reverence for nature but also the wisdom of seeking harmonious coexistence in the complexities of real life.

However, while affirming the value of this life lesson, we might as well take a more nuanced look at the issue itself. The student's letter begins by thanking the school for its efforts in improving the campus environment, and then lightheartedly and humorously describes the trouble caused by the birds chirping. If, as the student said, the birds' songs are excessively loud and persistent during certain times, such as during evening self-study sessions, and are concentrated in the easternmost row of classrooms, this disruption could indeed unequally affect the gaokao preparations of students in some classes.

In this case, while upholding the philosophy of life education, the school might consider more thoughtful and nuanced solutions. For example, without harming the birds, they could relocate nests to encourage the birds to move elsewhere, set up temporary soundproofing measures or provide affected students with temporary spaces for exam preparation. 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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