Standing by Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee president, I wondered if this experience would be the summit of my career as a volunteer.

Qi Xiaoying (R) and president of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge. [China Daily]

I have been involved in voluntary work for a long time. The volunteer experience has enabled me to weave my confidence and ambition into a colorful story that spans my college and graduate years. However, it was this opportunity to work with Rogge that made me known to the public.

Many people have inquired about the experience. To their disappointment, my work was in fact trivial, but necessary. My major task was to confirm the schedule of Rogge every day through communication with his secretary and then negotiate with BOCOG to arrange vehicles for him. I also ran errands, such as carrying documents, giving directions and so on.

Usually, Rogge worked diligently from early in the morning till late at night, meaning I also had to work 11 or 12 hours a day. When I finished my tasks I felt worn out. People think I must have talked with Rogge a lot, or established a personal connection with him. In fact, I spoke no more than 20 sentences with him because he was so busy. He even discussed things while walking. I could not help asking him one day: "Are you always this busy?" He smiled and answered: "Normally." Immediately I felt respect for this gentleman who has devoted all his time and energy to the Olympic Games.

People keep asking me how I've benefited from this experience. I broadened my horizons and took a once-in-a-life-stime opportunity to serve an important figure and witness many historic events, such as the unveiling ceremony for the torch relay planned route and torch design. I also learned more about "devotion" and "responsibility".

As volunteers our work is usually trivial, which requires a spirit of devotion and sacrifice to bear all the disappointment. No matter how insignificant the work seems to be, it is a great responsibility. We deal with foreign guests directly. Tasks as simple as giving directions will have an influence on the attitude of foreigners toward China. China is a friendly nation by nature and we should exhibit our friendliness and change the prejudice of foreign friends through interactions with them. As VIP assistants, without doubt, we need to take responsibility. Hence we have to be enthusiastic and careful about our work.

When Rogge was about to leave, he took a picture with me and expressed his gratitude for my help. At the time, the feeling of fulfilment exhilarated me. As an ordinary student, I have made my contribution to the Olympic Games and I am confident that with the efforts of all the volunteers, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be a successful and historic event.

Qi Xiaoying, born in Xi'an, is a 24-year-old graduate student at Beijing Foreign Studies University and a long-serving volunteer. She was chosen by BOCOG to be an assistant to IOC President Jacques Rogge during his visit to China from April 23 to 29, last year.