Shaoqin's dream
Chen Shaoqin working as a tour guide in an art gallery in Beijing, ChinaWhat’s her dream?
Shaoqin has already achieved so much in her life and continues to do so thanks to her lifelong curiosity about the world, courage, and eagerness to learn. With a positive mindset, a thirst for learning, and hard work, she believes that anyone can excel and achieve their dreams at any age.
Shaoqin didn't have many opportunities to interact with art early in her life. She first became curious when she saw a report on Beijing's 798 Art District on China's national television. When life brought Shaoqin to Beijing to take care of her granddaughter, she found the time and opportunity to visit the 798 and explore her curiosity, opening her up to a whole new world of art.
For Shaoqin, art has the potential to make life more fulfilling. She finds that once you understand the creative process behind artworks, the artist’s own life experiences can touch you. Regardless of our individual background, Shaoqin believes that if we try to integrate art into our lives, we can see different worlds of our own understanding, and gain inspiration and nourishment.
My dream is to share the power of art to as many people as possible.
Chen Shaoqin
China
Art has broadened Shaoqin’s horizons and helped her find her best self, even fueling a new dream. At the age of 67, she started working part-time as a tour guide and has since become influential in her role. In her guided tours, Shaoqin tries to find stories and interpretive angles that resonate with ordinary people, making it easier for them to appreciate these artworks and the artists behind them. Being able to contribute to her community gives Shaoqin a strong sense of accomplishment, responsibility, and happiness.
By following her dream, Shaoqin has changed her life’s purpose and found fulfillment. She feels this is so important, especially in later life when many people can face loneliness. She hopes her story will encourage more senior citizens to enter galleries and museums as well as be inspired to follow their own dreams.
Many big dreams, including Shaoqin’s, can be born later in life so it’s important that we safeguard our futures. Vaccines help protect not only our health but also our future, giving Shaoqin and millions of others the chance to dream big.
Countless people protected. Countless dreams pursued.
