I genuinely believe that the people we become is made up of everyone we interact with. Whether that be through close relationships or just a passing on the street. Some of these connections are stronger than others, some more positive, some more prevalent, but no matter what.. I am a make up of everyone I have ever seen or spoken to.
That being said, these last 3 weeks have had a HUGE impact on my life. I have grown to know my peers in a unique way of experiencing new and challenging moments side by side. I have come to learn from my professors who have guided me through my troubles and concerns. But most of all, I would say I am truly changed by the Hill Tribe Villagers, the Mekong River Organization group, the small boy I danced in the dirt with, the mother begging for money with her baby asleep in her lap, the Beyoncé performer at the lady-boy show and many (many many) more. Specifically, I have never interacted with so many people so different from me in this short of a time. Each day on this trip I have grown. I feel more sensitive to cultural differences, I feel more comfortable with working my way through language barriers, and I feel more confident in impacting others positively. I am so sad to leave, but I look forward to going home and making myself the best person I can be – for me, and for those around me.
As a future educator, I study a lot about relationships and communication between people. I agree 100% with you on the importance of forming relationships. They make the experience completely different (compared to if you were to do something alone). There's so much you can learn from having a short conversation with a stranger or a friend. Your positive energy has definitely impacted me and my experience on this trip! Keep it up!
Jessica, where did my reply go? Forgive if this is a duplicate. Thank you for this concise, well-written and powerful post. I feel fortunate to have witnessed and experienced all of the ones you listed except for Beyonce performer, which I hope I'll get to see on one of your video clips. Bravo!
I love your focus on connections, Jessica. Too often people focus on differences and find ways to keep others at a distance. But when we look for and find connections, we can learn from and appreciate one another – both our similarities and our differences. I will forever have the images of you and that small Hmong boy interacting at the Mekong School. No need for language to communicate; actions, laughter, and smiles said it all!
Yes, connections are so important! There's a saying that you become the five people you spend the most time with, but I believe the people we only interact with shortly become a part of us too. Thank you for going on this trip- and consequently, becoming a part of me.
Yes, connections are so important! There's a saying that you become the five people you spend the most time with, but I believe the people we only interact with shortly become a part of us too. Thank you for going on this trip- and consequently, becoming a part of me.