This was my final journey up the mountain as a student reporter. While participating in the day’s events, I couldn’t help but be flooded with memories—not just of this moment, but of every step that brought me here. Fittingly, the event was held at the Xiao Wulai Scenic Area Visitor Center and Yisheng Community Activity Center, a place of deep personal significance. It was here, in this very venue, that I first stepped into the role of a student journalist. And now, to return for what would be my final assignment felt remarkably complete—like the story had come full circle. I cherished every second of this symbolic closing chapter.

The event, themed around the Taoyuan Volunteer Corps Exchange, was hosted by the chief of Yisheng Village. In attendance were the district police chief and several neighborhood leaders, all of whom shared heartfelt stories and experiences. The atmosphere was warm and sincere. Centered on the theme of community-based disaster resilience, the day’s discussions reflected years of dedicated effort, and offered a window into the lives and values of those who have worked tirelessly to strengthen their community from within.

Among the many voices, the village chief’s story stood out. With a background in nursing, she had once worked night shifts in a Taipei hospital while putting herself through college. Eventually, she chose to return home—determined to create a safer, more self-reliant future for her community. She shared how, during typhoon seasons, their mountainous village—far from urban centers—often faces delays in receiving outside assistance. In response, she and her team have led efforts to build a grassroots self-rescue network, empowering residents to act swiftly and care for one another in times of crisis.

A short video from a past typhoon was played, showing rescue workers trudging through thick mud to assist elderly and vulnerable villagers. Though brief, the footage left a lasting impression—it was a powerful reminder of how precious local resources are in remote areas, and how the ability to respond independently can mean the difference between life and death.

One of the most memorable moments came from the district police chief, who shared his reflections after being transferred from Zhongli to the mountainous area. He admitted that disaster response was a new challenge for him. “I’m more used to late-night criminal chases,” he joked. “When it comes to disaster relief, you’re the real experts. I have much to learn from you.” His humility and humor instantly bridged the gap between officials and locals, showing genuine respect for the lived knowledge of the community. The neighborhood leaders who spoke after him reinforced this message—delivering it with calm strength: in the face of disaster, only courage and preparedness can protect a home. “Sometimes,” one of them said, “help doesn’t arrive in time. Lives are lost before it gets here.”

As the event drew to a close, the team from National Central University gave a short but heartfelt presentation, reviewing their years of collaboration with Yisheng Village. For me, their words echoed with personal meaning—it wasn’t just a summary, but a quiet reflection of my own journey. As photos flashed across the screen, it felt as if I were walking once more through the stories I’d documented—frame by frame, memory by memory.

I remember one sentence the NCU team once shared: “Our mission is to empower Fuxing’s residents with the ability to save themselves.” That line stayed with me. Because they understood that one day, they would leave this place. And when they do, the only thing that truly endures is what the community has absorbed, carried forward, and made their own. These were never just activities or trainings—they were seeds of hope, passed on with care and trust.

Looking back, my role as a student reporter was never just an extracurricular or a line on a résumé. It was a life-changing experience. Through it, I witnessed the quiet strength of local communities, the warmth that persists even in hardship, and the power of using words and images to honor stories that must not be forgotten. I am grateful that, during my university years, I chose this path—a path that allowed me to speak up for others, to document a place and its people, and to create memories I will carry forever.

Though this chapter has come to an end, I know the passion to observe, to document, and to connect won’t fade with a change in title. Wherever I go from here, I will remember this mountain, these people, and everything they taught me along the way.