By: Tenzin Yiga
I was born in Dharamsala, India, a place that serves as the heart of the Tibetan exile community. Growing up in a home where every conversation was laced with stories of our resistance, resilience, and hope, I understood from an early age what it meant to be Tibetan in exile. When I moved to New York City, that understanding took on a new dimension. The 23-hour journey from India to the U.S. marked not just a geographic shift but a transition in my identity. In America, I had to learn how to balance the weight of my Tibetan heritage with the reality of growing up in a country that often didn’t recognize our struggle. But in doing so, I also found strength in the community, and that community only deepened through programs like the Tibetan Youth Leadership Program (TYLP).
This past summer, I had the privilege of attending TYLP, an experience that was nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t just about policy discussions and meetings – it was about stepping into spaces of power as a Tibetan-American and realizing that our voices belong there. Meeting with representatives from the State Department, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), U.S. AID, and Congressional offices gave me an in-depth look at how advocacy translates into action. It highlighted how vital it is for Tibetans to step up and work with these institutions, not just to tell our stories but to shape the policies that impact us.
One of the most eye-opening takeaways from TYLP was seeing firsthand how the issue of Tibet fits into the broader conversation about human rights and democracy. Many of us in the Tibetan community have always been aware of the Chinese Communist Party’s oppressive policies in Tibet, but TYLP exposed the larger, more insidious mechanisms of transnational repression. Learning from experts and policymakers about the ways in which China extends its authoritarian reach into diaspora communities was a stark reminder that our fight is not just about Tibet – it is also about protecting the freedoms we have here in the U.S. It became clear that advocating for Tibet is not just about preserving our culture and identity; it is about defending democratic values that impact all of us.
Beyond the political insights, TYLP fostered something even more invaluable – lifelong friendships, connections, and a deepened sense of community. In a room full of young Tibetans from across the country, I found people who shared my experiences, my struggles, and my dreams. There was an unspoken understanding among us: the push and pull of being Tibetan-American, the responsibility we feel toward our elders and our history, and the urgency of ensuring our story continues. We were all there for different reasons – some wanting to work in policy, others in law, media, or grassroots organizing – but we were bound by a common purpose.
The friendships formed at TYLP are more than just professional networks; they are a support system. Whether it was late-night conversations about our hopes for Tibet, or the sheer joy of advocating for our identity together in Washington, D.C., I left with a newfound confidence that we are not alone in this fight. We are part of a generation of Tibetans who are determined to make an impact, we are unified, we are powerful.
Being Tibetan-American often feels like walking a tightrope between two worlds. The American dream tells us that if we work hard enough, we can achieve anything. But for many of us, that dream is not just about individual success – it is about lifting up our community, preserving our culture, and ensuring that the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents were not in vain. TYLP reinforced that the American dream is not just about assimilation; it is about representation. It is about making sure that Tibetans have a seat at the table in every space, whether that be in politics, academia, media, or grassroots activism.
To any young Tibetan wondering if they should apply to TYLP: do it. The experience will challenge you, inspire you, and most importantly, connect you to a community that will be with you for life. It will give you the tools to turn your passion into action and the confidence to know that you belong in every room where decisions are being made. We are the next generation of Tibetan leaders, and programs like TYLP ensure that we are ready to take on that responsibility.
For me, TYLP was not just a program – it was a reminder of why I do this work. Until Tibetans can live freely in their homeland, we must continue to fight for our voices to be heard. And we must do it together.
To learn more about the Tibetan Youth Leadership Program and how to apply please visit savetibet.org »
