A volunteering experience that really impacted my life was Keimyung University’s Global Volunteer Program. I can still remember the day when I found out that I was one of those qualified students heading to Myanmar for volunteer work. I was very nervous, waiting for the result. But the moment I saw the names of applicants who passed the Global Volunteer Program, I became so happy because I knew that I would be receiving the plane ticket for Myanmar. After qualifying, I made preparations.
It was Keimyung University’s first volunteer trip to Myanmar. For the positive image of our university and country, we needed to give our best for the necessary preparations. Every one of us had to carry that responsibility before anything else. After a long wait, we boarded the plane for Myanmar having a lot of expectations, excitement, and anxiety as well. Since it was my first global trip, I could not sleep in the plane. A lot of worries came into my mind, and I just wanted to shorten the trip and arrive immediately in Myanmar.
Upon arriving, things did not go smoothly. We planned to stay at YEC (Youth Educational Center). But it was changed suddenly. So we were divided. The most difficult thing was that we didn’t know what would happen next. Our first day in Myanmar passed by with lots of worries. The next morning, we went to Mobi Elementary School. In the bus, most of us fell asleep because we didn’t have enough sleep the whole night. Finally, I saw the school where we went to do volunteer work and stay. We greeted Mobi friends and teachers with a little bit of awkwardness. After that, we looked around the school. But the environment seemed so strange. The place was messy and worse than we expected.
In the class, I was very surprised. The classroom looked not suitable for study. The ground was not flat. Chairs and desks looked dirty and old. There were pillars which looked like in a blow of strong wind they might collapse. Everything was just surprising. I and my co-volunteers wondered how the students study in that kind of environment. In Korea, I have a lot of complaints. I have everything, but I always have dissatisfaction. But upon seeing those things in Myanmar, my heart was moved. I realized that my thoughts are wrong.
As soon as we unpacked our bags, we started our work to beautify the place. Nobody wanted to relax due to our determination and warm spirit. Mobi friends and teachers also helped us finish the work. As we worked, we got to know each other, and the awkward feeling towards each other soon went away. We all smiled and happily did our hard work. I was impressed with those Mobi friends. Even though they didn’t have shoes and gloves, they moved the desks and chairs which were bigger than themselves. Through everyone’s cooperation and hard work, we made it possible to help those students study better in more comfortable classrooms.
Time passed by and the final day arrived. On the last day, we had some bonding moments with Mobi friends. We performed the things we prepared here in Korea like a taekwondo exhibition, Korean cultural dances, and a talent show. We had our last dinner and last meeting, and all of us cried as we expressed our farewells to each other. The time was really fast. Even for the short time we had been together, separation was so difficult and sad. I will never forget Mobi friends and teachers.
Being able to help those around me opened my eyes. I realized a lot of things. This valuable experience has set a pattern in my life to keep on helping others and serve my community. I feel that I have become a better person by volunteering, and that only through volunteering can I fulfill my purpose for existence. This experience of volunteering is really unforgettable. I will never forget the time I spent in Myanmar.
