As one of the volunteers who joined the 2025 ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp in Western Sichuan, Link embarked on a journey that went far beyond . Here, she shares her heartfelt experience on this unforgettable events.
ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp: Link 's Insight
The Western Sichuan Exploration Camp was truly an experience like no other. Each day, we carried out activities high up in the mountains at altitudes of over 3,000 meters. The breathtaking views, the ever-changing temperatures, and even my body’s response to the high-altitude environment all felt both novel and real.
Even though Daocheng Yading was shrouded in mist and rain, its majestic beauty remained awe-inspiring. And the sight of “cattle and sheep grazing as the wind blows through the grass” was no longer just a line from a book — it became a vivid image before my eyes.
Among all these moments, the one that left the deepest impression on me was when everyone threw handfuls of saruongda paper into the sky together. Watching the colorful pieces flutter in the wind, with everyone’s faces lit up in genuine joy and happiness, it felt as though our blessings were being carried off into the heavens.
For me, the word exploration was not only about stepping into unfamiliar highlands or discovering natural wonders I had never seen before — it was also a journey of self-reflection. Immersed in a new environment and facing both physical and mental challenges, I began to reexamine how much I could endure and how far I could go.
Each morning, the fatigue and dizziness reminded me, “This place is nothing like home.” Yet, precisely because of that, every time I chose to take another step forward or look up at the distant horizon, I came to understand my own resilience a little more. These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone, but at the same time, they showed me that I was stronger than I had ever imagined.
Exploration also meant meeting and connecting with people. During this journey, I not only met new friends but also experienced the power of teamwork through mutual support, sharing, and companionship. Whether it was climbing steep slopes together, cheering each other on in the cold wind, or gathering around at night to share our thoughts, that sense of sincerity and connection warmed my heart. Exploration, therefore, became more than just a personal experience — it was something we lived and grew through together.
Finally, this journey redefined what happiness means to me. It’s not something that can only be found in comfort, but something discovered through courage in the unknown, self-discovery in challenges, and connection in sharing. When I recall the vast sky of the plateau, the dancing saruongda paper, and everyone’s genuine smiles, I realize that exploration is an ongoing process. It reminds me that no matter where I go in the future, as long as I keep my curiosity and courage alive, I can continue to expand my world.
