Wednesday, 6 February 2008 | posted by Matt_BC
General, Guildford 2008
Hey Everybody!
Unfortunately, YouTube doesn't allow videos longer than 10 minutes from young activists... So I had to delete my tear-evoking speech and here I am, trying to use words to express my feelings (I'd like to take back the "Sometimes, words just don't cut it" comment).
I've said this many times, but it never gets old. The week at Guildford with you guys was nothing else but amazing. Together, we sung, danced, discussed, debated, and found ways to make our voices heard. We broke stereotypes (the Hotel Management couldn't believe how a bunch of teenagers could behave so well), exchanged everlasting experiences, formed unbreakable bonds, ventured through forests, swamps, and over mountains to reach the essence of activism. And most importantly, we had fun doing it.
I look back at that short period of time, and I see so many things. I see myself puzzled by the challenges set for me in workshops, but then I see myself working together with some of the most brilliant minds and inspiring personalities to overcome the obstacles; I see myself looking for support, and finding it right beside me; I see myself learning from all of you.
I see myself bursting with joy when I'm singing with you guys; I see the lounge exploding with laughter as I jump up and try to put a dent in the pool table with a kung-fu kick; I see everybody with wide eyes, wondering what went wrong with this Chinese kid, as he starts a speech by shouting into his cell phone.
I see 59 faces with wide smiles. Smiles so bright... that they rival the sun.
I see the light, the future, and each of our goals. And I see myself with 59 amazing people, marching towards our hopes and dreams.
When I saw that the most people on RoadToDavos.net ever was when 49 of us got on the message board on January 27th, I realized: Our bonds will continue to strengthen even after the forum. That's why I believe we can do whatever we set our minds to.
Remember, the road starts from here, from now.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Yunan Jin
Update - Here's a litte surprise from Yunan:
Just a little treat for all of you from Beijing, China. Happy Chinese New Year!
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6 February 2008
yaaaay i had soo much fun watching both ur vidz and reading every word from wat u wrote!!!!
only one word “BEAUTIFUL* ...
loove you jin!!!!!!!!! and its funny ur like look it up in a chinese dictionary hahaha i cant even remember wat u said to do that! but happy chinese new year.. hope u enjoyed urz! take care!
6 February 2008
Yunan, they were great videos, and you left me speechless too. The fireworks are great and the others two videos were really emotional. I completly agree with your words of what the Guildford forum meant: a wonderful and enrichning experience. We all arrived and met 59 strangers and we left the forum with 59 new and lifelong friends.
Thank you Yunan for your post
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
6 February 2008
Hey dude!
???? (Kung Hei Fat Choi; happy CNY)!!!
Thanks for da very touching post + videos - (now you set high standards for the other 59 yet to post their blogs)!!! :D
Anyway, ya great knowing you and it was always fun to have you around and well done at Davos !!!
Michael (on the Road following the Road To Davos)
7 February 2008
Wow Yunan,
Your Video was amazingly artistic and touching. It brought back a lot of memories and I am impressed with your ability to coordinate the slides with the music. I am so honored to have shared the Road to Davos experience with you and all the other 58 youths. Your message was perfect and I am sure we will all meet each other again. Thank you for the post. Lots of love.
Law
7 February 2008
Xin nian kuai le!
Cheers, everyone!
7 February 2008
JIN! You are amazing and I loved your blog so much. I can’t get over how much I miss you and can’t wait until I see you next month! Love you!
8 February 2008
Yunaaan… great job:P i loved the blog.. but can you please translate the chinese words you said
hehehe ... miss you alot
8 February 2008
You made me cry… I cant believe you put that all together. You are amazing and you know what they say its all made in China.
9 February 2008
Yunan,
As everyone has said, this is so beautiful.
I would love to know what you said, because for all I know you could have been telling us we are all stupid- hehe!! I am sure that you wouldn’t.
Whitney
Unfortunately I did not catch all of the mandarin- could you translate or type it so I could look it up on a free translation web site.
Thank you for making this for us.
9 February 2008
Atchaaaa what can i say i just love the scream
xxxx lots of love 4 all of ya. wanted 2 tell u that i just looooved the Vedio
hey man keep it up and happy Rat year
Seraj
18 February 2008
love u!!! hahahahahaa your scream was awesome and your videos and the text as well…hope to see you soon!!!
20 February 2008
Yunan!!! that was ama-za-zing!!!! your words, the videos and the fireworks.
I miss you so much buddy.
23 February 2008
Yunuan!!
Thank you for sharing such amazing videos. I´m really proud of you, I admired your passion and your personality. About the Chinese guy with the cell phone!! I just love it, it was a good idea and it had the impact it should. I think you have the ability of making us happy and make the young voice be heard. I love you a lot Yunuan thank you for your friendship. The only thing is that I´m kind of sad because I hadn’t spoken with you since Guilford :( this is my msn: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Ooh! One thing more, you made my cried with the video of Guilford´s memories :( it was so touching thank you!!! Luv ya and miss you!!!!
5 March 2008
yunan , you just reminded me of something… and i have to say it right now… remember the time we were standing outside, you me and yushua, and we were singing the YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU SET YOUR MIND TO DO! song? (lose yourself) ...well i have to tell you, even though i wanted it so damn bad… my prayer ws a bit different… hehe… seize the day lads.. seize the day!