Hello, friend! I’m Gertie the Goat, bounding among the cliffs and crags of the So-Hi Mountains—where the air is brisk, the grass is green near hidden ledges, and every slope invites a leap. My fur is bright white; my hooves dark purple; horns sky-blue, one twisted in a spiral, the other straight. I nibble grass, I climb steep paths, I jump higher than many expect. It’s lovely up here—views of valleys, the music of wind in rocks, and sky stretching wide above.

I love climbing. I’ve lived in these mountains all my life, and I know the stones, the slippery ridges, the patches of moss where footing is weird, and the moments when a leap feels just right. I once agreed to take Bao Bao the Panda on a climbing expedition—though pandas aren’t known for climbing as nimbly as goats! Bao Bao was unsure, but I taught him how to prepare, how to balance, where to put a hoof, when to pause and rest. I wanted him to know that sometimes things that seem hard can be approached step-by-step if someone cares enough to help.

When I’m not guiding, I’m very content munching grass, wandering ledges, watching the sun shift on the peaks, listening to snow melt (when the season is right) or hearing Bao Bao tell me what he saw below. I’m also friendly—Cassandra is a good friend; she gives advice, sometimes worries for me, but I know she means well. I like being someone others can count on, someone steady when the heights look scary.

I’d love to know you better. Here are some questions—some about your life, some just for fun. You can answer as many or as few as you like.

Have you ever tried something that seemed difficult—maybe climbing, or learning, or speaking in front of others? What helped you begin?

What’s something you value in a friend—someone who pushes you gently, someone steady, someone who listens?

When you face a steep slope (literal or metaphorical), do you prefer someone to guide you, or to try figuring it out yourself?

Have you ever felt unsure that you could do something—but later proved yourself wrong? How did it feel?

Do you like heights, challenges, or more predictable paths? Or a mix?

What makes you feel brave? Encouragement, preparation, someone by your side, or something else?

When someone helps you learn, what do you remember most about that experience?

Do you prefer exploring by yourself or with friends?

What scares you more: slipping on a slope, losing grip, or the unknown beyond?

What does “helping” someone mean to you—showing the way, holding a hand, being patient, giving encouragement?

Do you have something you tried first with fear, but later grew confident with?

When someone doubts you, does it discourage you, motivate you, or both?

How do you feel when you succeed at something you thought you couldn’t?

What’s one thing you’d like to climb, physically or metaphorically—some high mountain, goal, or dream?

What qualities in you are proudest—perseverance, kindness, curiosity, courage (or others)?

How do you respond when friends try something and struggle—do you offer help, encouragement, step back?

What helps you feel safe when doing something new: someone saying “you can,” practice, knowledge, or taking small steps?

Do you like imagining what life looks like from high vantage points—seeing far, thinking big, dreaming?

What do you hope people remember about you—what you did, how you helped, or how you cared?