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Beichuan Middle school has a total of 2900 students and teachers. Two of its 5-storey teaching buildings collapsed during the devastating earthquake on May 12. It is estimated that more than 1,300 are dead or missing. The following are translated excerpts from the diaries of some student survivors who recount their heart-breaking experience, which is published on www.sina.com on May 18, 2008.

©Photo Courtesy of Naomi Hellmann A makeshift facility at the stadium serves as a temporary school for children, who are attending their first day. Backpacks and books have been donated to the children.

"I became an orphan in just one day."

Li Qingqing, Beichuan Middle School student

On May 12, 2008, after the noon break, we were having a class. About half way through the class, the building suddenly began to shake. Some classmates immediately screamed: "Earthquake, Run!" Our Teacher Mr. Li pushed us outside, and I also ran for life. In a few seconds, the building collapsed, burying my teacher and classmates inside. I was so numb with shock that I couldn't see anything but dust, nor could I move.

Then I realized that everything was gone - my teachers, classmates - I lost everything in my life. I was brought to the playground, watching the debris, and wailing. I said to myself: "no, no, this couldn't be real. It was just a dream, a terrible dream. God, please help me wake up from it. I don't want these, not any of these. God, Why? Why all these happen to us?"... Some classmates came to comfort me but I wouldn't hear a word. The night fell, and we slept on the playground. But I couldn't fall asleep because my mind kept thinking of my classmates and parents. The aftershocks re-occurred. This was really a long night. …I lost my home, my family, and became an orphan, in just one day. 

©Photo Courtesy of Naomi Hellmann A girl hands a young boy to his grandfather. Almost all refugees currently residing in Mianyang Stadium are from Beichuan and An County. There are at least 15,000 who have lost their homes and personal possessions.

"As if my heart is stabbed by knives."

Xiao Yao, Junior Middle School student

Less than 200 students out of about 3,000 in total managed to run to the playground. Many had blood all over their faces. Every survivor was so scared that they huddled together and couldn't stop crying.

A classmate told me that my little brother was saved and laying on the ground there. I came to his side and shouted his name to his ears, "Don't sleep. You mustn't sleep. Wake up, please." He seemed to have difficulty breathing. He tried his best. His hands became cold. I rubbed his hands to warm them. But he didn't open his eyes…He just breathed for one minute and the stopped hanging on. I asked my teacher to press on his chest. Streams of blood came out of his mouth and nose. I was horrified… "Uncles, please help him, save him. I beg you." … The doctor came, felt for his pulse, and said, "We lost him." I cried, and lost all my strength. I almost collapsed. … I am totally out of control now as if my heart is stabbed by knives.

In a corner of the empty playground laid cold corpses. At my back, a student who was pulled out from the debris lied there. Her parents were still staying by her side. She passed way, but her mother wouldn't believe what had happened. She cradled her daughter and gently waving, saying "little girl, don't be afraid. Mom is here by your side. Sleep. The day is going to break."  …The next day, I passed by. There were more bodies. But the mother still embraced her daughter and fell asleep while the father was punching the tree. 

"My memory stopped."

Guo Jinju, Senor High School student

My memory stopped at that afternoon on May 12. The scenes repeated again and again in my mind. But I wasn't able to clear my mind to speak of them. I will remember all the names of my classmates (Who died). They will live in my heart forever.

"I wanted to save him, but I could only reach one of his legs."

Zheng Youquan, Senior High School student

When the ceiling fell down upon us, I was numbly shocked as if I were knocked out by a stick. A few seconds later, I heard a classmate sitting before me crying for help weakly. I shouted his name for several times, but he didn't answer me. I was scared. And then I shouted for another student by my side. No one answered. I guessed he must be gone. But I couldn't accept it. A few minutes later I reached out and touched his calf. The body temperature was obviously cooling down. He became colder and colder. I wanted to save him, but I could only reach one of his legs.

©Photo Courtesy of Naomi Hellmann A volunteer comforts a little girl, trying to help her relocate family. Volunteers and mental health specialists have been sent to encourage children to play, draw and have fun.

"When my tears dry up, I won't be sad, and I will be brave."

Xiao Jing, Senior Middle School student 

When our classroom buildings were reduced to rubble, and our teachers and classmates buried, I could do nothing but watch the survivors being carried out and corpses laid aside… I was searching for my good friends and teachers among the dead bodies. Seeing those misshapen corpses, I tried to hold back my tears. They wouldn't come back. I cried very loud. When my tears dry up, I won't be sad, and I will be brave.

Photographer: Photo Courtesy of Naomi Hellmann

Translated by Xu Xin