I was the tour guide for Faith’s group when they visited Jiuzhaigou in 2011. During their visit, I shared insights about the culture and traditions of the Tibetans who migrated there years ago. At one point, I mentioned to Faith that I had a lot of energy and desire but lacked an outlet to channel it. She immediately asked if I would be interested in volunteering for EEF to document the oral history of Tibetan people in Jiuzhaigou. Although I had no prior experience in such work, I recognized it as a great opportunity and immediately agreed.

Two members of the tour group—a professor of comparative literature and a neurosurgeon—generously provided financial support for the project. Later, Zhangyu was assigned to assist me, and together we worked on this project for nearly three years. In 2014, I had the honor of presenting my interview findings at the International Oral History Conference in Barcelona. Both Faith and the neurosurgeon, Jay Osgbury, were in the audience to cheer me on.

This experience was one of the most significant and memorable of my life.I met with many Tibetans in my guiding job.” To this day, I still miss the cool thin air on highlands, blue cloudless sky, Tibetans’ innocent smile and bright eyes.” I understood them more through interviews in this project, from face to heart, from book to real life.” “Their hearts full of simple goodness are shining like gold”.

Sanbuzha was my first interviewee. The interviews drew us closer. We became brother and sister. We don’t have chance to meet frequently after the interviews, but we both know if one needs, the other will be there. I called him when writing this essay, knowing that he is praying in Langmu Tibetan Monastery, not far from his hometown, because today is the Spring Lantern Festival, a good day to practising in Buddhism. Perhaps what we did everything to pursue is what they disdain, whereas what we forgot along the way is what they cherish most.”

It was not only an oral history project. It helped me discover my potential and set me on the path toward achieving my dreams.