Reflection

Sunny Huang

The three weeks I have spent so far with the program has been tight. I’ve met many new people and undergone many memorable experiences. From the other volunteer teachers to the students I taught, I have met a multitude of personalities that has influenced my life and I hope I have influenced theirs. I was reluctant to join at first, because the website seemed a bit shabby and I thought I was getting scammed. But I am glad that I did come through. I’ve seen people from other places in the world, mainly from Canada for some weird reason, and shared a part in their lives. I have met truly disadvantaged, but intelligent students, and I hope I have imparted memories and advice onto them. In my years of teaching, I have never had seventy percent of my students miss class because they had to meet their parole officer, and one of them actually doing time for the previous misconducts. I hope I provided a positive example, and have encouraged the kids to take their studies more seriously. Shuilien has become home for me, and the kids of my class have become family.

        I am truly grateful for joining this program. It allowed me to come back to Taiwan, visit the scenic and beautiful Hualien, and meet so many different people. So far it has been an experience I would not trade for anything.