Arthi Bahadoor [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

My future is going to be dull…this was the thought that filled my head on the drive from Jinan airport to Shandong University (SDU), Medical Campus. It was my first day in China and the only colour surrounding me was grey- the buildings were grey; the streets were grey and the sky was grey with all the winter smog.

I thought that campus would be different; filled with the colour of different cultures and countries but it seemed that the cold had driven everyone into hibernation. My first impression of China was a rather dismal one but that soon changed as spring dawned upon me.

Home for me is "Sunny" South Africa, also known as the "Rainbow Nation", so arriving to winter in China was a sight of snow and bare trees with a chill that reached your bones.

Beautiful landscape of Shandong University. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

How was I supposed to find warmth in this foreign land so far away from home? The answer came to me on the Baotuquan campus of SDU.

I lived on campus in the international students' dormitory where I met a few people who warmed my heart with their smiles and kindness.

There is a "shushu" at the front desk of my building who has shared many great moments with me. He is much elder to me but has shown me so much respect and kindness over the years. He makes sure to greet me every time I walk through the doors, even if it is more than 10 times a day. He teaches me how to grow various plants and care for various animals. He feeds the stray cats outside our dorm building; has a grasshopper on his shoulder and keeps some fishes or turtles around from time to time. He has immense patience and is skilled in many things. He taught me about Chinese tea and many cultural festivals as well as historical places. He is always concerned about my health and safety even after he had to go to the hospital for a few days.

Beyond his role as my "shushu" and teacher, he is also a fine gentleman. If I am leaving or returning to China during the holiday period, he always insists on helping me with my heavy bags up and down three flights of stairs. He tells me to travel safely and welcomes be back with the biggest of smiles. These kind gestures of this sincere and wise old man have been one of the treasures I have found in China.

Beautiful landscape of Shandong University. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

Among other treasures are the "ayi" that used to work at the coffee shop in our building. They were the sweetest and most fashionable ladies around. They always asked me if I ate, if I studied and told me to dress warmer when cold days came around. For these reasons, I never felt too far away from my own grandmother.

I fondly remember the "shushu" in the adjacent building who helped me practice my Chinese and his friend who would always lift my spirits with his thoughtful words. I must also include the kind man who filled the credit on my cellphone and helped me when I couldn't make sense of the Chinese. It is the elderly Chinese folk I met on campus who touched my heart with their humility and simplicity.

I recall the day when I met a 90-year-old neurosurgeon who was receiving an award at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University for his years of service. He travelled and worked throughout Africa and spent an hour telling me about his adventures and accomplishments. He may have been retired but he was definitely one of the brightest people I have ever met. Meeting him was inspirational, not only to a budding medical student but to a medical student who was now also motivated to contribute to her own home continent.

Beautiful landscape of Shandong University. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

I have witnessed many inspiring moments from the elderly on campus. There is an 80-year-old man who runs laps around our campus every night without fail. This act of his has taught me the value of persistence and positivity.

The tai chi and martial art veterans on campus have taught me lessons of discipline and dedication to your craft. The groups of seniors who play volleyball have challenged me to up my game and the dancing ladies have encouraged pride of ones heritage.

China is now a kaleidoscope of colour thanks to my encounters with the wisest and sincerest humans on my campus. For me, the beauty of this country is a reflection of their hearts. They live their history and heritage and have shared this knowledge with me. These elderly treasures are the brightest colours of China.

Arthi Bahadoor is a MBBS graduate of Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine.