YIN HE works at the Tibet branch of China Securities Regulatory Commission.

By YIN HE

I landed a job in a Beijing bank in 2010 after graduating with a master’s degree. I was lucky. A job in a bank in the metropolis is well paid with bright career prospects, and consequently much sought after. But it didn’t appeal to me. I found that sitting in a cubicle clad in a sharp suit from nine to five, five days a week was slowly eroding my ambition and spirit. I soon felt isolated in this cell of cement, steel and glass. I itched for the freedom of a great wilderness – a world of clear blue skies and lush meadows strewn with wild flowers extending to an open horizon. Although devoid of modern amenities, to me the wild blue yonder teemed with promise and opportunities that would renew my youth and vigor.

Having set my sights on developing western provinces, I finally headed for Tibet.

I am from northeastern China – far distant from Tibet on the country’s southwestern frontier. Lhasa seemed both alien and exotic when I first arrived. I was awestruck at the sight of the imposing Potala Palace, the Norbu Lingka Gardens with their magnificent display of native arts and culture, and the Jokhang Monastery against its backdrop of snow-capped mountains bathed in brilliant sunshine under a cerulean canopy. Encircling Barkor Street, with its streams of devout prostrating pilgrims and canny street traders, is refreshingly free of ubiquitous foreign brands like McDonalds and Starbucks. Lhasa offers a tantalizing glimpse of the region’s immense unrefined wonder.

Fitting into local life, however, was not that easy. I had to struggle with a longing for urban conveniences like rapid Internet connections and fastfood chains. I also sorely missed my parents, far away in the inland. But one look out of the window at the fascinating landscape dispelled anguish and inspired me with the prospect of a more fulfilling life. One has to test oneself with challenging circumstances to discover one’s full potential and achieve ever-greater goals.

There is only one securities firm in Tibet among the handful of listed companies in the autonomous region, which implies ample space for growth. But the dearth there of financial professionals makes achieving it a challenge. Owing to my experience in Beijing’s banking sector my company, the Tibet branch of China Securities Regulatory Commission, has entrusted me with versatile missions. They vary from writing regulations to giving lectures on the capital market to investment consultations. I’m happy about this job diversity, as it gives a sense of fulfillment.

I pursue various volunteer activities outside working hours. They include a livelihood survey in a rural community 4,500 meters above sea level with no access to tap water, power, telecommunications or roads. I stay there with local families that subsist on farming and herding, collecting and drying cattle dung for fuel and carrying water from the well. I also give classes in Mandarin Chinese to their children. The unavailability of the Internet has forced me to pick up a pen and record my impressions of this outlying hamlet.

The absence of modern technologies and leisure activities has turned out to be a blessing. I now have time to gaze at the starry sky and let my imagination fly. Rough terrain precludes entry of all automated vehicles, but traveling on foot, although grueling, gives me the chance to explore and reflect on the scenarios I encounter along the way.

Tibetan people are unsophisticated and hospitable. Each household I visit greets me with hot buttered tea, and the children urge me not to leave. Their warmth moves me to do more volunteer work and be more efficient at my job in efforts to improve the wellbeing of Tibetan people.

I am happy that I made the decision to go to Tibet. Young people like me are privileged in possessing the confidence and energy to take risks and pursue their dreams. We should not squander our time idling. Material joys become shackles if one becomes obsessed with them. We should hence look beyond them to a broader, richer, more meaningful life.