Youthful zeal ensures sessions not same old song

When I - a young journalist responsible for routinely covering cultural events - was assigned to report on China's top advisory and legislature sessions this year, a vivid picture popped in my mind: Ravenous reporters besieging delegates at the magnificent Great Hall of the People's gate, trying to scoop their proposals and skim off informative hard news.

"Busy and serious" were two words that came to mind when I thought of the two sessions. I figured the currently bleak economic situation would amplify these characteristics.

Premier Wen Jiabao stressed confidence was crucial during the downturn. I regarded this to mean we should be optimistic about the future and need joy more than worry.