When Ebing describes who it was like to grow up in a town in the Gobi Desert,

just first the simple physical hardship of it.

Harsh winners, some are so hot they asked for it on the road would melt and get on

her white school uniform she says.

This was China in the 1970s.

Her town, Ju Chuan, had a big factory that made products out of metal and steel.

There were some really poor farms.

Ebing's dad had a job that was better than most, Ebing says.

They played the musicians for the local song and dance ensemble,

making shows for the government.

Basically, you know, propaganda.

They were toward a smaller town.

When she turned four and a half her dad told her,

you're going to want to play an instrument.

And she started on the violin.

It wasn't until she got older that he explained why.

He doesn't want me to have a job that has to be under the sun

in the factory with my hands,

with heavy labor.

And then when your dad told you you have to do this because this is your future?

Yes.

He would.

...