In the fifteen days I have to be independent and mature in every decision made

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: i dont noe, but to me, it feel not that IDEAL...
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 14:56:19 +0800
From: Joseph Sng lionheart223@hotmail.com
To: khooky@vs.moe.edu.sg

I have learned many things from the trip but the one most beneficial to me is the knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the different minorities. Sitting on the couch, looking at the TV can never better than the first hand experience through my eyes and ears.

Our main purpose there was to help the local needy schools. We delivered stationeries, books and even games like cards and board games. We also painted the walls of a village school, and give the children food.Of course, we could have done much more, but I believe that the fact that we were there is what that counts.

What struck me most is the realization of how bad their daily conditions were. They had little clothes on, which they did not change for a long time. They don’t wash their hands before eating, which is really a norm for us Singaporeans, and don’t think twice before picking food up from the ground to eat. However, though the people there are not as fortunate as us in many
senses, I could still see that they have no worries and easily content. During the trekking, we gave some medicine to an old lady for her family and she was so pleased.

Fifteen days away from home and my family, is the longest I have ever faced. In the fifteen days I have to be independent and mature in every decision made. Friends can only give opinions but the actual choice is made by you. You have to take care of everything yourself like your personal belongings, like your important document, and account for your expenditure and keep it
in your budget. It is much different back in Singapore, as I constantly rely on my parents when it comes to big decisions.

In Vietnam, there were so many unknowns and I keep asking questions about this and that. Looking back, I discovered that I am one who is curious about things but at the same time is lazy to remember those that are confusing. I like the easy way out. I like to understand through explanation by someone, but not from the long-windedness of books. However, I will have to change this learning attitude of mine if I want to be successful in future endeavors.