Rocking out a goodbye to students

Memories and wishes

The four-minute performance quickly went viral, drawing more than 3 million views on Sina Weibo. Many viewers say it brought back memories of their university days.

"I don't know them personally at all, but I'm in tears," one netizen writes.

Lei Wenjia, an English major who attended the concert, says she was stunned when the dormitory matrons walked onstage with their punk-inspired performance.

"The atmosphere was electric from start to finish. It made this graduation concert a truly unforgettable experience," she says.

For Lei, the song was filled with memories, heartfelt reminders and warm wishes. "I'll carry all of them with me as I begin the next chapter of my life," she says.

To Lei, the matrons were more than dorm supervisors. They reminded students to close their windows before it rained and to pack warm clothes when temperatures dropped, comforted them when they were upset, and shared their happiest moments.

Cao Yixi, who graduated with a degree in primary education, describes the matrons as dependable guardians who were always there whenever students ran into trouble.

"They could solve almost anything," she says. "Once I dropped something into a drain, and my dormitory matron lent me a long pair of tongs to retrieve it. It felt like there was nothing she couldn't do, and we could always turn to her for help."

Two days after the June 14 concert, at the university's graduation ceremony, Zeng Qingli fought back tears as she addressed the graduating class.

"There won't be any aunties reminding you to turn off the lights at night anymore. But I hope you'll always keep a light burning in your hearts and remember to take good care of yourselves," she says.

Zeng Qingli's duty room is like a treasure chest for over 3,400 students: sewing kits, bike pumps, screwdrivers, first-aid kits, and umbrellas. It stocks all kinds of daily supplies students might need. A well-worn registration book bears dense records of key and item borrowings. On average, at least five or six students come to her every day, and she always greets them with a smile.

"It feels like only yesterday that I watched them move into the dormitories," she says. "And now, it's time to say goodbye."

The five women shared one final message with the graduates: "Go after your dreams with courage and let your light shine. If you ever feel worn out, you're always welcome to come back. Don't compare yourself with others, no matter how your life turns out. Peace, smooth days and happiness matter most.

"Stay in touch with your family and your alma mater. When you have time, come back to Xiaogan and Hubei Engineering University. The corridors will still feel familiar, and we'll still be here. Just call out to us when you return, and we'll greet you with a smile and ask, 'Have you eaten yet?'"