Never giving up hope

"I felt like I never had a childhood, but rescue work gave my life meaning," she said. "I wanted to prove to my mother and those who doubted me how capable I am, that a girl can accomplish anything, take care of her family, and help others too.

"In 2018, I hit rock bottom, but the Wolfpack restored my sense of worth. Setbacks aren't scary, losing hope is," Chen said. "Every time I put on my uniform, I feel like I'm armored."

During the May Day holiday, Chen and her teammates re-enacted their earthquake rescue experience as a stage play for students at the Youth Palace in Fuyang, Zhejiang province, sharing disaster preparedness knowledge through art.

"Disasters will pass, but humanitarian spirit remains. As long as one person lights the torch, more will carry the flame." Chen said while gently rubbing on the tree-bark mosquito ointment given by the Mandalay volunteers, determination gleaming in her eyes.