Appreciating All That We Have
This is a guest post I've written for Sam's blog "Life is like a Box of Chocolates" as part of her Appreciation Evolution.
Before I begin, I would like to extend my appreciation to Sam for inviting me to be a part of the Appreciation Revolution. Thank you for not forgetting me even after I have disappeared from the blogosphere for months.
As I write this, I’m sitting on an Air Canada flight, 30, 000 feet above the ground, four more hours until I return home. Working in Botswana this summer has been an emotional roller-coaster ride for me – challenging, humbling and rewarding all at the same time. While I am still trying to figure out all the lessons I have taken from this experience, I want to share why, after the summer, I am even more appreciative of all that I have.
Those of us in this part of the world take a lot for granted. Really, we take a lot for granted. By that, I don’t just mean the excessive material “things” that we want. I’m talking about opportunities, self-worth, and dreams.
Since I was little, I was asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Then I was taught to set goals, work hard, believe in myself, and by doing so, I would be able to realize my dreams and achieve anything in life. An education, a career, a loving family and plenty of friends – all unquestionably occurred to me as part of life. However, people I met this summer have brought me to realize what a luxury and privilege it is to be able to think and feel that way.
During the summer, I interacted with OVC (orphan and vulnerable children) who did not seem to care about anything. Not because they were lazy, but because they were never given guidance. Unlike us, basic life skills were never taught to them. Personal development was unheard of. It was harsh to witness them living their lives without goals and dreams, without people motivating and believing in them, without knowing they are all special and could achieve great things. Nobody ever told them that.
I also met students from a refugee camp in Malawi who received scholarship to study in Canada because of their outstanding grades, determination and aspiration. At first, they excitedly told me how precious of an opportunity it was for them to receive a post-secondary education. Slowly, they revealed their worries about not being accepted in a new society and needing to flee somewhere again. They were sad about leaving their parents or siblings behind and never seeing them again. I will never forget the look on one of the student’s faces when he turned around and said, “There is nothing I can do. I need to continue my education.”
For us, opportunities are abundant and are easily accessible, such that we can afford to do things at our own time whenever we “feel like it.” We think we’re young and the world awaits us to be explored. We have elders and mentors tell us how proud they are of us. Most importantly, we don’t have to flee our own countries, not having a home we belong to, and having to pick between loved ones and our survival.
What makes us truly fortunate people is the fact that we can choose who we want to be and decide what we think is worth living for. So, take a moment to appreciate this freedom, a privilege we “won” at birth.
Before I begin, I would like to extend my appreciation to Sam for inviting me to be a part of the Appreciation Revolution. Thank you for not forgetting me even after I have disappeared from the blogosphere for months.
As I write this, I’m sitting on an Air Canada flight, 30, 000 feet above the ground, four more hours until I return home. Working in Botswana this summer has been an emotional roller-coaster ride for me – challenging, humbling and rewarding all at the same time. While I am still trying to figure out all the lessons I have taken from this experience, I want to share why, after the summer, I am even more appreciative of all that I have.
Those of us in this part of the world take a lot for granted. Really, we take a lot for granted. By that, I don’t just mean the excessive material “things” that we want. I’m talking about opportunities, self-worth, and dreams.
Since I was little, I was asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Then I was taught to set goals, work hard, believe in myself, and by doing so, I would be able to realize my dreams and achieve anything in life. An education, a career, a loving family and plenty of friends – all unquestionably occurred to me as part of life. However, people I met this summer have brought me to realize what a luxury and privilege it is to be able to think and feel that way.
During the summer, I interacted with OVC (orphan and vulnerable children) who did not seem to care about anything. Not because they were lazy, but because they were never given guidance. Unlike us, basic life skills were never taught to them. Personal development was unheard of. It was harsh to witness them living their lives without goals and dreams, without people motivating and believing in them, without knowing they are all special and could achieve great things. Nobody ever told them that.
I also met students from a refugee camp in Malawi who received scholarship to study in Canada because of their outstanding grades, determination and aspiration. At first, they excitedly told me how precious of an opportunity it was for them to receive a post-secondary education. Slowly, they revealed their worries about not being accepted in a new society and needing to flee somewhere again. They were sad about leaving their parents or siblings behind and never seeing them again. I will never forget the look on one of the student’s faces when he turned around and said, “There is nothing I can do. I need to continue my education.”
For us, opportunities are abundant and are easily accessible, such that we can afford to do things at our own time whenever we “feel like it.” We think we’re young and the world awaits us to be explored. We have elders and mentors tell us how proud they are of us. Most importantly, we don’t have to flee our own countries, not having a home we belong to, and having to pick between loved ones and our survival.
What makes us truly fortunate people is the fact that we can choose who we want to be and decide what we think is worth living for. So, take a moment to appreciate this freedom, a privilege we “won” at birth.
Labels: Reflection
posted by Ruby Ku at
7:12 PM
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