My first time going to Cambodia has been memorable and eye opening.

Visiting the S21 Museum was a sobering experience. It was difficult to fathom the atrocities that had occurred just a few decades ago, knowing what their life was like during that time, gave me a new perspective on my life, how fortunate and grateful I should be to have grown up in a place with less violence. This lent greater depth to my appreciation for the resilience of Cambodian people and their tenacity to rebuild their communities and lives.

In the beginning, I was curious if my effort would make any difference as we’re only staying for a few hours everyday. However, as I started talking and playing with the kids, their laughter and eagerness to learn instantly dispelled my doubts. Their bright smiles and curiosity were contagious, and I recalled that every little effort counts. By educating them, not only was I improving their language skills, but a connection between us had also been established across cultural boundaries.

Throughout the trip, I also encountered challenges that tested my patience and adaptability. There were moments of frustration when communication barriers arose or when things didn’t go as planned. Yet, these challenges became learning experiences, teaching me to approach problems with creativity and resilience. I learned the importance of flexibility and empathy, qualities that I will carry forward in life.