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May 22, 2006
A Look Back On An Unforgettable Voyage Cassandra Chao
Embarking on a journey to a completely new place was definitely nerve-wrecking. The harder part for me to comprehend was going to an area no teenager from California would ever dare to set foot on. This place compared to home, was definitely not a tourists’ attraction. I hoped there would be running water, warm weather, and clean utensils. Well, looking back now, I could say that it was just the opposite of what I wanted for a trip, but this adventure taught me a lot more than caring about modern conveniences and my own comfort, instead I felt the love I spread to others was instantaneously sent back with appreciation and gratitude. I could not have asked for a better experience.
The first day we arrived in Guizhou, we were accompanied with high school students whom we had granted scholarship, in order for them to stay enrolled in school. I had never seen so many students devoted to learning, Seeing their hard work and determination towards their education was a turning point for my actions towards my own study moving forward. I would state I am a student that enjoys chatting online rather than doing homework, and I don’t think I am speaking for myself, but what I saw this first day in Kai Li (a city in Guizhou) really opened my eyes. I was able to relate with some of the students instantly, even though our different languages were a barrier. I was even able to meet the girl I sponsored. She was shy to talk to me, seeing I was at least a head taller than her, but she was enormously thankful for the sum I donated towards her education. I was amazed and almost in awe for the kind of appreciation for this very small sum a teenager like me can even offer. In California, I see fifteen year olds demanded for their two- hundred dollar weekly allowances. I may be exaggerating, but some do selfishly receive and consume money like toilet paper. My yearly contribution of one hundred twenty dollars was keeping this girl in high school for one entire year. From this one chat with my student friend, I could see there was more to her than just the money I had given. She came from a very poor background, but nonetheless used what I had given her to something that could better her future, her education. She knows that the only way of escape from her despair is to obtain an education, and helping others like her gaining the similar knowledge that she acquires at school, everyday. I am glad to know that she is studying to become a teacher and I hope that even with that small amount of money, it will help her attain this goal.
Struggle is the exact word to describe the day to day living in the poor rural communities we visited. Some children have to walk, and many on bare feet, ten miles everyday to go to school, and then ten miles back. If weather conditions are harsh, they would have to live at school, which would probably not be the better option due to the fact that there are no windows, temperatures in most areas go below zero degrees Celsius, and there are no beds or enough blankets to keep them warm. I can’t imagine how hard it is for those who live too far from school and have to stay at the school long-term. Those students also have to pay for their meals, which lack meat or any protein. They suffer from malnutrition and most are emaciated and cannot bear the freezing weather conditions.
When I visited school after school, I noticed all of the children had runny noses, dirty hands and faces, some not enough clothes to protect them from the cold. I was sorrowful for these students, whom had done everything they could to welcome us, with the little they had. My father always says, “Those who have hardly anything give everything, and those who have everything give hardly anything.” That is so true as far as what I can observe. These rural communities were doing everything they could to please us, because they were overwhelmingly grateful for all the donations, which provided them with new schools.
Although I can not fully articulate my experience in words, I believe that my thoughts of how precious my life and education will stay with me. And through these young students, from the first graders to the high school students; I learned that I take my lifestyle for granted. I will continue supporting my high school friend in China, so she benefits from my small contribution, because I know I am making a positive impact in her life. I wish that everyone could experience the journey I went through, or at least understand that there are people that need your help, halfway around the world. This trip was truly unforgettable and I am willing to continue to help and support these needy children because every child deserves a chance to learn.
Posted by dee at May 22, 2006 07:18 AM