Video project looks back at youth

Be happy, be healthy

"Be happy" and "be healthy" are the most frequent words the Yuanbaoers say to their future selves.

The interesting thing that Gao has noticed about the several Yuanbaoers that he has met this year is that they have grown more resolute and have more specific life goals.

"Our early 20s were full of possibilities, and when we talked about the future we didn't really know where we were going. Now, the way is clearer for many of us," he said.

Last month, Gao began a yearlong project to interview all the Yuanbaoers to record their responses to the words they said a decade ago and their expectations for the next 10 years.

"I want to hold an exhibition, if possible, and play the edited videos in a hall," he said. "Many people feel confused in their early 20s, so when young people see the stories of the Yuanbaoers, they may gain some inspiration and ideas."

Contact the writer at yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn