Final day reflection by Nicholas

I found that the most challenging aspect of this trip was really that I couldn’t get through to any of the students until late into the first lesson of the second day. Even them I had to rely on my teamates because I couldn’t handle talking to the kids for an extended period of time.

At the Royal Self Sufficency project, I learnt that our lives don’t have to be luxurious for us to enjoy it. The late king said something along the lines of wanting people to live a sufficent life, not a luxurious life. And when I looked at the students in Ban Maesa School, they have little technology, most don’t have phones, and yet they look so happy each and every day. I realised I could learn a lot from that.

I’ve now resolved to try and cut down my time using my laptop for non-school related asignments. I’ll be taking baby steps like stopping 15 minutes early each day and eventually get to a point where I’m only using my laptop for a healthy amount of time (1-2 hours)

But overall, the best part of this trip by far, was all the laughs and joy we all expirenced in each other’s company. I’ll probably never forget these days that I can never get back or expirence again. Through all the challenges and disagreements we remained close. I’ll never regret coming to this trip, all the memories we have made all our hardships worth the effort put in by all my amazing teammates.

Day 3 Reflection by Nicholas

The past 3 days were a great part of my never-ending journey of learning. I’ve learnt that I can live happily and contented even without many of the luxories I have back home. I also feel that I have developed as a person. I have become a more outgoing person , thanks in part to the friends I have made while on this trip.

I feel that the expirence that has impacted me the most is when my friends laughed at my jokes. It gave me the confidence to speak with them more comfortably and feel that I really am a part of this group. And I know I will really miss our shinanigans when all this over. And this, for now in my life, is my crowning moment in my development.

Day 1 reflection by Nicholas

The school was bigger and modern than what I had expected.

I felt that the most surprising thing that I noticed was that these young children were as attentive as they were, which was plesantly surprising.

I wasn’t too confident in teaching the students as I was unable to interact with them well. I also could not get over the language barrier

The best moment was when we had finally completed the half of the basketball court we were to paint. It was exhausting and well worth every minute.

Local VIA @ Willing Hearts -Nicholas

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to illness, but my peers have been telling me about the experience they had there. It sounds like a fun time, if I have the chance, I would definitely volunteer. I’ll be working to make up for what I missed on the trip itself.