Julie Guan (left) works with other volunteers at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

I was especially awed because the documentary had shed light on how hard it is to breed pandas and reintegrate them into the wild. Part of the process included having workers dress like pandas and rub panda scent over the costume in order to blend in with the wildlife.

They had to spend a tremendous amount of time to teach the animals how to live outside captivity and to ensure the animals were safe at all times. I am grateful to have been able to volunteer for a day and will cherish the experience for the rest of my life. The next time I visit China, I will be sure to sign up to volunteer again. I am already looking forward to it!

Julie Guan is a sophomore Chinese-American who has lived in the United States all her life. She returned to her family's original homeland this summer and visited Chengdu's China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda to volunteer.