Zhang Lanyue—affectionately known as “Lanyue”—is a devoted and thoughtful volunteer. Her gentle presence and reflective observations always bring warmth to every team she joins. Lanyue deeply values human connection and personal growth. She views every journey not just as an experience, but as an opportunity to better understand the world and herself. This reflection captures a profound inner journey she experienced on the Western Sichuan plateau.
ADLINK Youth Exploration Camp: Lanyue's Insight
When the noise of the city slowly faded behind us and we drove into the vast lands of Western Sichuan, a quiet dialogue about the essence of life began to unfold. This special journey did not include the laughter of children—only a group of volunteers and guests growing and transforming together in the embrace of the plateau.
Standing on a mountain ridge more than four thousand meters above sea level, as the biting wind pierced through every gap in my clothing, I finally understood how small human beings are in front of nature. The arrogance and pride that had accumulated during city life vanished completely before the majestic snow-capped mountains. One of my companions said, “Here, we can finally put down all our masks and be our truest selves.” Indeed, when phones lose their signal and all the conveniences of modern life disappear, we are left to see who we really are. This realization is not discouraging but liberating—acknowledging our limitations is, in fact, true wisdom.
Our group covered a wide range of ages. At first, I worried that this generational gap would create distance. But I soon discovered that when people stand together before such vast landscapes, age differences dissolve naturally. Young people taught the elders how to use new technology; the older ones shared their life experiences in return. At the dinner table, through conversation after conversation, and during long hours on the road, there was only genuine listening and heartfelt sharing. I suddenly understood that true connection is not about being the same age but about having an open heart.
The most precious moments of the journey often happened in solitude. Whether standing on a grassland at dawn or under a night sky full of stars, those quiet conversations with myself revealed desires long buried under daily busyness. The plateau is like a mirror, reflecting our truest selves. Here, I finally had the space to ask myself: What am I really pursuing? What truly matters? The answers may not yet be clear, but at least I’ve begun learning how to ask.
Looking back on this journey, the most valuable gift was not just the breathtaking scenery but the transformation that took place within. I learned humility, the importance of listening, and—most importantly—how to begin making peace with myself. The winds of the plateau carried away not only the restlessness of the city but also the dust settled on our hearts, allowing us to see ourselves, others, and the world with greater clarity.
