2012 was a year in which documented abuses of human rights reached alarming heights in Tibet. At the same time, there were an unprecedented number of self-immolations, as individual Tibetans made a fiery protest against the erosion of their culture, language, religion and freedom. As a foreign teacher of English in Dharamshala, centre of the Tibetan exile community in India, the author witnessed the pain of her students and friends in this tragic year. But amidst the sadness she found humour, compassion and a determination to carry on the non-violent struggle for a free Tibet.