Ten things I learned on my volunteer trip to Thailand

6. Focus on one thing at a time

Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions over what opportunities to take. I prefer to focus one thing at a time. This I learned from the headmaster of the orphanage. He is a man in his 50s, not tall but with black skin and a strong body. The orphanage was built by him. He spent three years raising money and building the school and another seven years taking care of the children. He invites volunteers from all around the world, and picked many experienced teachers to educate the orphans and take care of them. Focus on one thing and keep doing it with all your effort, you will gain more than you expect.

7. Native Thai culture

In the forest primary school I taught the students Chinese and English. I cannot say I spread Chinese culture comprehensively but it was a wonderful experience to exchange Chinese and Thai cultures through some interactive games and behavior. My students learned some aspects of Chinese culture and I learned some native Thai culture which I had never read in guide books.

8. Giving encouragement to motivate others

Sometimes I believe help from a stranger can change a person. Volunteering is like a kind of stranger, sometimes our voice can be more persuasive than teachers and parents. I still remember our last Chinese class for sixth grade students. We taught them how to say their dreams in Chinese, and at the end of this class we sent our best wishes to their dreams and told them follow their hearts which will always guide them. After that class some girls told me they had never heard about encouraging their dreams. I realized that giving encouragement is like giving energy, and we cannot ignore this energy, even though sometimes it comes from a stranger. 

9.Keeping smiling

During the trip not all people could understand English, like some little boys and girls or old shop assistants. One way to communicate was to smile and then use body language. A smile can have several meanings, such as you are friendly toward them, or I like you. Keep smiling, it will always give you a good start to a conversation.

10. Tell those you like that you like them.

Express your mood and thoughts to those people you treasure, never think it is enough. This I have learned from my students. Sometime, a child’s world can teach us a lot. Tell those people you like that you like them, then you will have no regrets.

These are 10 things I have learned on my Thailand trip. As a important part of this summer holiday, it taught me a lot and changed me in some ways.  Keep exploring the unknown future with a heart full of passion and gratefulness. ,We all learn from our experiences.