On December 7th, as a newly appointed YES Mentor, I had the privilege of attending the Shanghai Roots & ShootsYES Party in 2025. The day coincided with the "Major Snow" solar term, but the weather was exceptionally clear. The winter sun shone warmly through the crisp suburban air, while vast stretches of reed blossoms bloomed wildly in the fields, their delicate, feathery white plumes glistening under the sunlight. Orange trees and fir trees stood in clusters, and wildflowers and grasses grew freely and unrestrained, creating a harmonious and peaceful natural scene.
The staff had set up tents early to welcome the volunteers. Early arrivals played frisbee or sat on chairs basking in the sun. As volunteers gradually gathered, they chatted warmly as if they had known each other for years. After a brief rest, the first activity began—planting tea trees! Planting a tree, greening a heart. After listening to the farm owner’s planting tips, the volunteers eagerly paired up and started working. Two children also cooperated seamlessly, patiently placing saplings and firming the soil without complaint, even faster than the adults.
Due to my longing for rural life, I’ve developed an interest in planting. I often look forward to sprouting, leafing, and fruiting after sowing seeds. I’ve been amazed by the force of seeds breaking through the soil overnight, marveled at the vigorous vitality of plants in their suitable yet extreme environments, and worried whether the plants I tenderly care for will thrive... Today, I finally had the chance to plant on real land with a real hoe, and I was thrilled. Although I grew up watching my parents work hard with the land, I rarely labored in the fields myself. Now, seeing the familiar soil and hoeing the land skillfully, memories of my parents working flooded my mind, as if I could feel their emotions while planting.
Food tastes especially delicious after labor. Volunteers brought homemade dishes they had prepared or made themselves. Though mostly cold, the food was simple and healthy. Sitting together, everyone shared the meal joyfully, surrounded by warmth. The sun-drenched lawn was filled with the fragrance of citrus and the delightful aroma of a communal feast.
After the meal, volunteers began the day’s key activity: sharing experiences and reflections as YES Mentors. Through heartfelt and enthusiastic sharing, I learned that several volunteers had been YES Mentors for over a decade, and I was deeply inspired by their dedication and perseverance. Listening to senior mentors share amusing classroom anecdotes, clever teaching strategies, and how sincerity, care, and patience earned students’ trust was both admirable and enlightening. Some mentors also shared practical teaching tips, which were incredibly helpful for beginners like me. New mentors spoke about their initial classroom challenges and their experiences navigating student dynamics, which resonated deeply with me... Waves of joyful laughter filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
Finally, when discussing the original motivation for volunteering, everyone talked about LOST. Perhaps everyone has experienced confusion, setbacks, and difficulties in life but strives to find a better version of themselves, which brought us together. It is also because of the nurturing and supportive environment of Roots & Shoots and the encouragement of like-minded companions that volunteers can draw strength from one another—this is perhaps the power of mutual growth.
After the meeting, volunteers strolled through the fields, feeling the changing seasons and appreciating the diverse natural scenery. Children joyfully collected autumn treasures in the fields—plucking reed flowers, picking wild daisies, gathering red leaves—and created vibrant, natural collages full of spontaneity and rustic charm. Time flew by, and dusk soon arrived. We cleaned up the site and returned to our lives under the glow of the sunset. After the event, I was left yearning for more and look forward to harvesting tea from the trees we planted next year!
